Fundraising Southampton Student Takes On 2,000 Km French Stadium Cycle In 17 Days For Alzheimer’s Society
A Southampton student will be using pedal power to take on a 2,000 km cycling endurance challenge around France.
Tom Sweeney, who is studying International Relations and History at Southampton University, plans to cycle between stadiums hosting the Euro 2016 football tournament across France for Alzheimer’s Society on his single speed bicycle.
Tom’s journey will take him from the round sixteen all the way to the final, orbiting France from Lens to Bordeaux to Marseille and finally to Paris.
Tom hopes to raise more than £1,000 for the charity and will begin his challenge in Dover on Saturday 11 June, before travelling from Dunkirk to Lens to watch early games on Saturday 25 June. He will then cycle on to Bordeaux for the quarter final game on Saturday 2 July; on to Marseille for Thursday 7 July and then on to Paris for the final match on Sunday 10 July. The whole challenge is expected to last 17 days.
Tom would like to gain support from French locals and England supporters as he completes his challenge, meeting people to watch each game with and hopes to stay on a tight budget by staying at fellow supporters houses.
Tom said:
‘For a long time now I have wanted to do something in memory of my Nana who, before she passed away, was diagnosed with dementia – a terrible disease that damages the brain and therefore memory.
‘My idea is to ‘do something memorable’ in the hope of raising some money to eradicate a disease that takes those all-important memories away. It will be a difficult challenge but it’s great to know that I will be raising funds to help support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.
‘Every penny counts and all donations will continue to drive me forward on my way to the Stade de France and the final.’
Natalie Bettinson, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser for Hampshire and the Islands, said:
‘We are delighted that Tom is giving his time and taking on this amazing endurance challenge to support Alzheimer’s Society. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Tom to help us continue our vital work. Please back Tom in their fundraising efforts so that Alzheimer’s Society can continue leading the fight against dementia.’
To sponsor Tom please visit his JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/tomstourdefoot Follow Tom’s challenge on Twitter @letourdefoot as he live blogs throughout his challenge at letourdefoot.wordpress.com.
If you would like to support Tom while he is in France by offering him a place to stay, email Tom at tomsweeney99@msn.com
If you would like to get involved in fundraising or organise your own event or fundraising activity please contact Natalie Bettinson, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser for Hampshire on 02380 610159 or email Natalie.Bettinson@alzheimers.org.uk
