350 mile charity "Chopper" cycle ride by Newtown rugby coach

A Newtown rugby coach is to head off on a 350 mile cycling challenge in memory of his father and  father-in-law - on Raleigh Chopper bikes.

In a tribute to his late father and father-in-law, Bob Jones, U13s coach at Newtown Rugby Club, is embarking on a poignant 350-mile cycling challenge from Cornwall to the Newtown, finishing at the Recreation Ground, home of Newtown RFC.
 
The journey, entitled ‘Cornwall 2 Cymru by CHOPPER Challenge’, aims to raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care and Severn Hospice - two institutions that provided exceptional care during his family's times of need.

The challenge commemorates the 25th anniversary of the loss of Bob's father, Malcolm, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 50 in 1999, having been cared for by Cornwall Hospice Care. It also honours his father-in-law, Roy, who was cared for by Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury before passing away in 2017. 

The ride is not only a fundraising effort but also a tribute to the compassionate care both hospices provided, helping countless families like Bob's during their most challenging times.
 
In a twist that adds both challenge and nostalgia, Bob will undertake this journey on a 50-year-old Raleigh Chopper - the same model bike given to him by his parents when he was nine. Renowned for its unique design but not for speed or long-distance travel, the Raleigh Chopper will surely make this ride an unforgettable adventure. 

Bob, joined by a group of former rugby teammates, Mark Jones, Craig Thomas and Tom Pelling, plan to cover 50 miles a day, completing the seven-day challenge on Father’s Day, 16th June 2024. Bob will also be joined by his son Dylan, a junior player at the club, for the final leg of the journey. Details of the route can be found here. https://tinyurl.com/ChopperChallenge
 
"I wanted to do something significant as I turned 50 - a milestone my dad never got to enjoy beyond,” said Bob. “The overwhelming support from businesses, friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers has truly restored my faith in people. It shows how much good we can do when we come together for a cause."
 
Cornwall Hospice Care and Severn Hospice are committed to providing specialised, compassionate care for individuals with terminal illnesses. Their work is largely funded by charitable donations, ensuring that patients and their families receive support and dignity during life's most challenging moments.
 
To donate, visit the team’s fundraising page here. https://justgiving.com/team/cornwall2cymru