New Year: looking backwards and forwards for...
Fishing for Schools director and founder Charles Jardine writes:
about this blogRead moreOn Sunday 31 July, five dedicated individuals will join thousands of other cyclists taking to the road for the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100.
However, these five fundraisers are doing more than taking on a 100-mile cycle, they are doing it while raising money for The Countryside Alliance Foundation which includes our excellent Fishing 4 Schools, Casting for Recovery and Falconry for Schools charities.
Each of the team has signed up to raise £2,000 for The Countryside Alliance Foundation, so please dig deep and sponsor to help them reach their target.
RideLondon encompasses so many types of cycling, with everyone taking part from the elite cyclist to families. The route starts in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and out into Surrey's stunning countryside, finishing on The Mall in central London.
Meet the Team
Charlotte Cooper
Charlotte is tackling the 100-mile challenge for the Foundation because she believes every child should have access to the countryside and after helping on a Casting for Recovery retreat she was impressed with the benefits the weekends provide to ladies affected by breast cancer. Despite years of cycle commuting, Countryside Alliance media consultant Charlotte is a self-confessed "wobbly cyclist who doesn't really do hills".
Support Charlotte's fundraising by donating to her Just Giving page.
Toby Sallitt and Monty Browne
Sporty students Toby and Monty of Radley College, Newbury say they are up for a challenge. They love outdoor sports and helping to change people's lives for the better. Toby says: "It is a tough challenge, and we aim to complete it within 8 hours."
Visit Monty's page and Toby's Just Giving page to support their fundraising.
Angela Lee
Angela is a Pilates instructor and nutritionist, so knows the benefits of being outdoors is cycling. She also believes that the work of Casting for Recovery and Fishing 4 Schools can help improve mental and physical outcomes. Angela said: "The Countryside Alliance Foundation helps adults and children alike make the most of the incredible remedial and educational benefits of being involved in the natural environment."
Support Angela's fundraising by donating to her Just Giving page.
Andrew Shutler
Last but not least, Andrew Shutler is the final member of our fantastic five taking part in RideLondon at the end of July. Andrew is a 32-year-old gamekeeper from Berkshire, who enjoys mountain bike racing, horse riding, hunting and fishing. Andrew said: "Training started in December and I made good progress on the indoor torture machine! I have just been ticking over for a month or so and am now getting ready to ramp things up."