Project TED
Four middle aged businessmen from Bristol are quite literally getting on their bikes this September to cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End to raise money for a local rugby charity.
Brothers Ian and Paddy Halliwell, Rob Millward plus George Campbell, plan to ride the 900 miles in nine days, starting on Saturday, 22 September.
The four are all supporters of Bristol Rugby Club with a combined age of 160, but hope to raise £10,000 for PROPS, the rugby based charity that provides opportunities and support for those with special needs in the Bristol area (www.props4ward.org).
Their attempt, which they’ve called Project TED, after the PROPS logo, has caught the imagination of rugby clubs and supporters throughout the UK.
They’ve already received support from Inverness RFC, Sales Sharks, Worcester Warriors, Bristol Rugby Club, Exeter Chiefs and the Cornish All Blacks, many of whom are planning major fundraising events to coincide with the bikers’ visit.
George Campbell, of FSP Recruitment Ltd, says they’ve been inspired by the tremendous contribution the Bristol players have made to PROPS this year – most of the squad has got involved with the youngsters from the Bristol centre and others have been directly involved in fundraising.
“PROPS is a purely voluntary organisation so 100% of donated money goes directly to the charity. It gives special needs youngsters under 21 the chance to take part in ordinary activities, especially sports, and sponsors equipment which stimulates their senses and enhances their communication abilities.”
Ian, Paddy, Rob and George are being supported directly by Roger Halliwell, who will be driving the support vehicle, and by Bristol’s newest radio station, Original 106.5 FM, who are planning daily updates of the ride.
Ian Halliwell, from Alliance Communications, and brother Paddy, from Daktronics, both realise they face a massive challenge. “The youngsters PROPS work with face challenges every day and take them in their stride – we hope to do the same,” says Ian.
The riders are due to call in at Bristol Memorial Ground on day seven (28 Sept) and several other Bristol supporters plan to join them for a stage of the ride. Anyone wishing to donate and make use of Gift Aid can do so at www.justgiving.com/900miles.
A Special Thank You!
Project TED and PROPS would like to give a special thank you to Tooze IT for their generous contribution to this project by designing, building, and hosting this fantastic website.
Tooze IT are a professional website design company offering a full range of web services including website starter packages, bespoke web design, web content management, ecommerce, business to business solutions, search engine optimisation and submission, link building, managed pay-per-click, web and email hosting, spam filters, html email design, managed email campaigns, and 3D virtual page turning brochures.
Visit www.toozeit.com for more information.
