Foundation ‘Schools and Coaching Manager’ Scott Chappell will be taking on the 920-mile challenge of cycling from John O’Groats to Lands’ End for charity this July. Scott will be joining Stuart Priscott (Operations Manager for the cricket charity Chance to Shine) and Matt Theedom (Managing Director of Devon Cricket) along with others who will join them on the way, as they aim to raise £100,000 for Chance to Shine and Cystic Fibrosis (CF), two charities close to all of them.
Scott and Matt have completed the challenge twice before, but this will be the first time for Stuart and is to celebrate his 50th birthday, an unthinkable milestone when he was born with CF in 1971. Stuart will become the oldest man with CF to complete the challenge, and has himself had first-hand experience, and benefitted from the incredible work that CF do.
CF is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is fighting for a brighter future for people with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.
Chance to Shine is a national charity that spreads the power of cricket throughout schools and communities. The charity takes cricket to new places and uses it to ignite new passions, teach vital skills, unite diverse groups, and educate young people.
In Somerset, Chance to Shine has played a huge role in helping us spread cricket across the county and enables us to deliver cricket in over 150 schools each year supporting our cricket clubs and inspiring thousands of children to play the game.
On the challenge Scott said, “completing this with two colleagues and friends will be a fantastic experience but knowing that we are raising a substantial amount of money for two incredible charities will be a huge help in those trickier moments. We are incredibly grateful for all the donations and support we have already received and cannot can’t wait to get started”.
To help raise funds there is also an auction with numerous items including a signed bat, shirt and gloves from Babar Azam, a coaching session with England’s Anya Shrubsole and Heather Knight, a coaching session with Somerset and England legend Marcus Trescothick and Richard Dawson, tickets for several test matches, a private concert with Midge Ure, a round of golf with Kris Akabussi and much more. You can bid for these items here.
You can find out more about Stuart’s inspirational story and donate here.
You can follow the ride via the facebook page here.