Story added: 9th June 2022
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 2nd 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.
"What an amazing challenge and group of people who took part. They’ve raised an incredible amount of money for the Foundation"
Emma Fletcher-Dungay
Senior Fundraising & Events Manager
3rd July 2024
On Friday 24th May, local school Ashleigh Primary joined forces with the Foundation to put together a morning of fundraising fun.
2nd July 2024
On Sunday 30th of June over 140 cyclists took to the roads of Norfolk for the Foundation fundraiser - Cycle Swarm 2024.
1st July 2024
On Saturday 29th of June The Nest played host to the Foundation's first ever Armed Forces Day.
27th June 2024
In April, ex-soldier Del Sullivan embarked on a mammoth fundraising mission, walking ten marathons in ten days around Norwich ring road, raising money for the Community Sports Foundation.
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
Keep up-to-date with the latest news from the Foundation
