The Wounded Lions 500: A 500 mile cycle in JUST 48 HOURS from Twickenham to Murrayfield with a match ball for the Calcutta Cup game on 8th of February? Sounds crazy?
Well, Rob Wainwright and fellow cycling dafties are taking on this challenge in support of 2 wounded Lions. These are friends of Rob’s from the ’97 tour of South Aftric – Tom Smith and Doddie Wier. Both were Scotland and Lions team mates of Rob. They are now both facing difficult health challenges at this time.
Doddie suffers from Motor Neuron Disease, and set up the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The intense and tiring wounded lions 500 journey will begin in Twickenham around lunchtime today (6/2/20). They will head north, stopping at some notable clubs including London Scottish, Northampton Saints, Darlington Mowden Park RFC, Newcastle Falcons and Jedforest. They will then push on to Murrayfield. A pedalton of 6 cyclists plus a support crew will be ploughing on through both day and night to arrive in time for the big match kick off.
The cyclists expect to see some familiar faces join along the way, and are looking forward to people turning out and cheering them on as they pass through the different places.
Chosen Charities
Last year they raised a massive £65k for MN5DF. All funds raised from the wounded lions 500 will be split between the chosen charities. These are Doddie’s MN5DF and Tom Smith’s chosen charity, 40tude.
40tude raises funds for pioneering research projects targeted at the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer at St Mark’s. This is the UK’s national bowel hospital. 40tude also works hard to raise awareness and promote the importance of being screened early for colon cancer.
Meanwhile, Doddie’s My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is committed to helping improve the lives of those affected by Motor Neuron Disease. They work to grant support for individuals and families. It is administered by the MND Association and MND Scotland.
How Can You Support The Wounded Lions 500?
At Fairwayrock, our friend Willie Tulloch will be part of the team joining for the last 100 miles. They will be joining in Newcastle, setting off at 12am in the morning!
We would love if you can also show your support to such a worthwhile and important cause. You can click here to donate now!
You can also find out more about the event by heading to The Wounded Lions 500 event page. And to the folks cycling this crazy journey, all the best with the Wounded Lions 500! We can’t wait to hear how you all get on.
