RideLondon fundraising challenge for EFDS chief executive
This weekend (Sunday 2 August) sees the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 start in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follow a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside.
A tough, enjoyable and massively popular fundraising opportunity, upwards of 25,000 keen riders will be taking part.
Among them will be the Chief Executive of the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS), Barry Horne.
“I’ve never done this before,” Barry admits on the Monday, just five days prior to the event.
“I actually tried to enter last year but was unable to gain a place, but this year EFDS has secured three places. I will be doing it with a couple of good friends, Chris Beck and Chris Wood. Both their wives are occupational therapists and both used to work with my wife, who is also an occupational therapist.”
Sufficient training and preparation is key to any chance of success, and Barry knows how daunting elements of the 100 mile course are.
“When you reach Surrey you have to climb both Box Hill and Leith Hill,” he says.
“I was looking at the route the other day and the thing that struck me is that both climbs come after mile 65. The longest ride I have ever done is 55 miles and even in training I haven’t gone further than 55 miles. I will have to achieve that even before I hit those hills! I’m just hoping the adrenaline will kick in at that stage, and that I have 100 miles in my legs.”
EFDS exists to make active lives possible and ensure that millions of disabled people can lead active lifestyles. Dedicated to disabled people in sport and physical activity, EFDS supports a wide range of organisations to include disabled people more effectively. The national charity looks to a better future where everyone can enjoy the opportunities available. Established in September 1998, EFDS has a vision that disabled people are active for life.
Fundraising and sponsorship are essential to achieving the organisation’s vision. Some of our work relies fully on this for support, such as our events programme. Over the years we have a really good track record of attracting people to do things like the London Marathon and the Great North Run.
"Fundraising is a really important part of EFDS’s income"
For Barry, his quest to raise £1,000 for EFDS is just another example of the role fundraising plays within the charity.
“Big fundraising events such as these are great. The scale of the London one will be amazing! Last year I abseiled from Canary wharf with a group of colleagues and volunteers and before joining EFDS did the Coast to Coast bike ride to raise funds for another charity.
“We are looking now to try and increase the number of fundraising opportunities for cyclists who will enjoy that rare chance of taking part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100. It is always over-subscribed and presents cyclists with a chance not only to do something valuable for EFDS, but also to have an opportunity to enjoy something you wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”
However, despite months of careful planning, preparation and training, Barry’s challenge to cycle 100 miles from East London to the heart of Surrey was nearly scuppered a month ago.
“With four weeks to go to the ride I had my bike stolen, and that left me for two weeks when I could only manage a couple of short rides on my old bike. I was back on my old Raleigh bike, which I’m actually quite attached to!
“I had to re-schedule my preparation because of this incident. But fortunately I was able to get hold of a replacement bike pretty rapidly thanks to John Lewis insurance customer service team and I’ve been able to put a couple of weeks of practice in.”
So with training back on track – including regular 33 mile rides into and out of work at EFDS’s offices in Loughborough – and with a niggling knee injury hopefully behind him, Barry will line up on the start line at the Olympic Park on Sunday.
“The most I have ever ridden among in the past is about 2,000 riders,” he says.
“This weekend in London there will be upwards of 25,000 people riding through some very famous roads past some very famous landmarks. The thought of that is amazing.
“I am trying to raise £1,000, though there’s still a little way to go. Chris Beck has hit his target already – what a hero. We do have until October to get the money, so I’ll keep fundraising.”
