PCA PRESS RELEASE
From Birmingham to Cardiff via 16 grass roots clubs, three county grounds and climbing the height of Mount Everest, mission accomplished…......Almost.
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Big Bike Ride 3 was the hardest yet. Over five days, 60 cyclists completed the 360 mile route and 26,000 feet climb with former England internationals including Geraint Jones, Tim Bresnan and Marcus Trescothick completing the challenge, with the Somerset man keeping up his record of finishing every Big Bike Ride to date.
Completing the ride is only the first part, the second being raising £125k for the PCA Professional Cricketers’ Trust and the Tom Maynard Trust.
The Yorkshire all-rounder Bresnan took the ride on, but recognises the real aim is to get people donating.
“Collectively the total is rising, but we’re still after more, it will help players in their time of need.”
Over the weekend, fundraising went through the £100k (with gift aid) barrier and one last push is needed to reach the target. Donations are open until November 30th and the PCA Chairman Daryl Mitchell explains how the ride took its toll on him, mentally and physically.
“It’s certainly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done physically and mentally. It’s been really tough but it’s for a good cause and to get through something like that with your mates, it’s pretty special and a great achievement.
It’s something I’ll definitely look back on and be really proud of.”
DARYL MITCHELL
The riders wove their way across hilly terrain, including the notorious Tumble in the Forest of Dean, before finding their way to Wales. Along the route, they were helped by grass roots cricket clubs who laid on food and provided sponsorship for those taking the challenge.
David Leatherdale, the PCA Chief Executive who also completed all five days, expressed his thanks and pride after finishing.
“You don’t get better feelings than this. We’ve done 16 cricket clubs, three county clubs. Every single place we’ve been has been hugely supportive of us, there’s 60 people here, many of whom were friends before, but will all be friends coming out of it. The money we raise for both charities will be a healthy figure.”
