Barrowford teenager gears up for Pendleside Hospice charity cycle

Charlie Whalley, of Barrowford – who only took up cycling again six weeks ago – aims to achieve the 400-mile challenge in seven days from August 10th to 16th and raise £1,000.

The Nelson and Colne College sports student’s route will take him from Broughton, just over the Welsh border in Flintshire, to Chepstow, in Monmouthshire.

And waiting for him at the finishing line will be his mum Alison, who runs Barrowford Pet Store, step dad Gary, younger brother Alfie and sister Gracie.

Charlie, who plays football for Trawden Celtic in the East Lancashire Football Alliance Under 18s league, and has been working during lockdown for Sunshine Farm Feeds in Barrowford, said: “After enjoying cycling to work, I bought a new bike and while the college has been shut down due to coronavirus I have been using some of my time to prepare a training routine.

“It’s good to have something to focus on and take my mind off lockdown. After watching videos of cycling challenges, I started to plan out how I could do an event for charity before college starts again."

Charlie chose Pendleside because they cared for one of his uncles.

Charlie will be posting updates during his trip on his Facebook page “Charlie Whalley’s Welsh Coast Charity Cycle”, where others can find his fundraising link, on which he hopes to raise over £1,000.

Charlie said: “I’ve seen Pendleside’s ambassadors Radio 1 DJ Jordan North and Clarets striker Jay Rodriguez doing things to raise money for the hospice and I’m hoping to be the next them!”

So far, he is being sponsored by his mum’s business; Fiona Sharp Physiotherapy; Voidwell and Unique Facilities and hopes for other businesses to come forward.

He said: “I’ve had good support from my friends and family so far, including my girlfriend Grace and her family.

"Some people thought I was mad, but most think it’s a great idea. I have had a few neighbours and contacts on Facebook give me tips and advice, which has been great.”

The ride will take in popular holiday resorts Rhyl, Conwy, Benllech, Porthmadog, Barmouth, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Fishguard as well as visiting the cities of Swansea and Cardiff.

By contacting Facebook groups in the different towns he hopes to receive donations along the way.

To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charliewhalley