Story added: 9th June 2022

Four day cycle challenge helps to raise over £7,000 for the Foundation

Over the extended Jubilee weekend, ten fundraisers pedalled their way 422-miles across Europe all to raise funds for the Foundation.

Their epic ride, which connected Norwich and its sister city Koblenz in Germany, took in three countries over the course of four gruelling days.

The challenge, the brainchild of Foundation supporter and fundraiser Matt Parkhouse, was first completed in 2012 and most recently in 2018; he was back this time with a larger group of ten cyclists, all with differing levels of experience in the saddle.

Their adventure began on Thursday 2^nd June, when they were waved off by members of the Koblenz Twinning Society on the banks of the River Rhine.

Beautiful weather, superb cycling paths and regular assistance from the Foundation’s support team aided the group’s swift progress.

A photo outside each stadium is customary on the challenge, and en-route to Norwich the group duly ticked off a very impressive 13 clubs (Bonnor SC, FC Koln, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Monchengladbach, VVV Venlo, PSV Eindhoven, NEC Nijmegen, Vitesse Arnhem, FC Utrecht, Ajax, ADO Den Haag, Colchester United and Ipswich Town).

Late Sunday afternoon, after cycling the final stretch down Norwich’s Koblenz Avenue, the group enjoyed a heroes’ welcome from friends and family at their final stadium stop, Carrow Road. Norfolk-based representatives from the Koblenz Twinning Society were also there to greet the group.

With donations still coming in, the group have collectively raised over £7,000, which will be used to support the Foundation’s vital work in the community.

Senior Fundraising & Events Manager, Emma Fletcher-Dungay, who was part of the Foundation’s support team, said:

“What an amazing challenge and group of people who took part. They’ve raised an incredible amount of money for the Foundation.  The weather was kind, staff at the stadiums were friendly and we are already looking forward to the next one.”

The Foundation wishes to thank Sally from Up & Running Treatments, Influence Signs, Norfolk Hire, Rehook, Green Farm Coffee, Morrisons, the Koblenz Twinning Society, Dolphin Cycle Repairs and Cycle Swarm for supporting the event.

Our challenge events are sponsored by Coastal Construction Ltd.