Virtual cycle challenge raises thousands for Foundation of Light

Cyclists took on the 275-mile epic challenge throughout the month of June to help support the football club’s official charity and raise funds to help them to continue support families throughout the north east.

After the original Italian Cycle Challenge, a picturesque route from Pisa to Rome, fell victim to COVID-19, cyclists were still keen to get on their bikes for the cause and pedalled their own scenic routes across Sunderland for the last four weeks.

Most riders made it their aim to take in the Foundation’s Beacon of Light base on their journey and each had their own fundraising goals.

Olympic runner Aly Dixon was one of the cyclists and she admitted it was quite a challenge: “It was tougher than I thought, especially with fitting in around my training. It’s been good fun though, well done to all who took part.”

Alan Cook defied the odds and completed the distance within four days, ahead of undergoing treatment for a health issue.

David Field from Newcastle was also delighted to complete the challenge: “I loved every minute of taking part. I arrived at the Beacon to find out I’d smashed my fundraising target too.”

You can still donate to the cause via the Virtual Cycle Challenge JustGiving Page.

Each year a team of cyclists take on a different challenge; previous challenges have seen the team ride from Dublin to Sunderland as well as further afield.

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