Away Day Cycle Challenge

Fulham FC supporters swapped boots for bikes to take on the Fulham to Birmingham Away Day Cycle Challenge in support of the Foundation, ahead of the last regular match of the season.

Departing from Craven Cottage bright and early on Saturday, riders suited in team jerseys went the distance, covering 100 miles in beautiful, sunny conditions. Celebrations were in order on arrival in Stratford upon Avon, as the Foundation announced that the £20,000 fundraising target had been surpassed!

For many, supporting the Foundation’s community work hit close to home. Speaking of his decision to get involved, Chris Gumble said: “I heard about the ride and at first, I thought it was an impossible ask. I kept telling myself: I am not a cyclist. I decided to research more about the Foundation and the work they do. In doing so, one word repeatedly grabbed my attention: dementia.

“My dad died six years ago at a young age after suffering with it for five years. Not living near our beloved club at the time of diagnosis, he didn’t have access to the Foundation’s Fulham Memories programme. The support they give both to dementia sufferers and their carers is something my Dad, Mum, and family would have relished. That’s when I started to think about supporting the Foundation, and raising important funds. My frame of mind change: I am a cyclist.

“The Foundation made a dream of mine come true by presenting our cycle jerseys in the Cottage changing rooms, I knew this was the start of a special weekend.

“Day one was 100 miles of sun, scenery, hills and hard work. The grit and determination shown by all was an inspiring thing to behold. This day was one of the hardest, but most rewarding days of my life. My body ached every inch, but all I could think about was my Dad and those like him who would benefit from the Foundation’s work. Before long, I was being applauded at the finish line of the first 100 miles. The Foundation prepared a fantastic dinner and awards. They were so appreciative of each cyclist’s fundraising efforts. We raised more than £20k, and we felt like giants.

“I wasn’t sure I would make it out of bed on day two. My ride team partner and roommate, devout FFC fan, and perhaps the world’s nicest man, Ken Wilding, gave me the motivation to keep going. As a newly found band of brothers, we set off for St. Andrew’s. We arrived at the ground greeted by cheers of support from Foundation and Club staff. We knew we had achieved something big, something special, something to be proud of. I could hear in my head: Well done son, and I knew that my Dad had been with me for the last two days.

“To the Foundation, thank you. The cycle was the easy part. The difficult part is the work you do on a daily basis to support the community, and for that we applaud you.”

Donations can still be made here.

On behalf of everyone at the Foundation and Club, Fulham FC thank all cyclists and donors for their unwavering support.