Will You Back Paul’s Ride Across Britain?

Cycling enthusiast Paul Gibson is getting on his bike to raise funds for the Foundation – but needs your support to help him raise cash for struggling Teessiders.

The 48-year-old director of our patrons Active Chartered Financial Planners has been successful in securing a space in the gruelling Deloitte Ride Across Britain cycle event, which takes place September 4th-12th.

“The Ride covers 980 miles from Landsend to John O’Groats and features 1,000 cyclists from all over the world riding 100-plus miles a day over nine days, camping out on racecourses or sleeping in student halls and raising millions for charity,” explained Paul.

“Spaces are assigned via a ballot system and it was a personal challenge to enter and a surprise when I won a place. It’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s a challenge which has risks and is run with military precision.”

Paul, who started cycling in 2015, has raised money for various charities in the past, but has never done anything quite this difficult.

With a goal of raising £5,000, he chose the Foundation as benefactors, not only because Active are Patrons of our charity, but because he has seen the devastation caused to the people of Teesside by the pandemic.

“I sit as a governor at a deprived school in Middlesbrough and I’ve seen how bad things are,” said Paul. “Not only the digital poverty but the hunger. It’s awful to see this happening in 2021 and I worry that the after-effects of covid will only make things worse.

“Supporting the Foundation is the best way to get the money to heart of the community and to those who need it the most.

“I have raised funds for different charities in recent years – including the British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer – all worthy charities, but on this occasion charity begins at home.”

To sponsor Paul, visit
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulGibson39/1?utm_source=messenger&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=fundraiser&utm_term=socialshare&utm_content=fundraisingpage