Everton Football Club and Everton in the Community are calling upon fans of Gary Speed's former clubs to help them raise vital funds for their mental health focused campaign, The People's Place, in memory of the midfielder.
Backed and endorsed by Gary’s parents Carol and Roger, The Speed Cycle will visit each of the Welsh international's former clubs over the weekend of Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2.
Starting at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, the cycle challenge will travel to Leeds’ Elland Road, Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane and Bolton’s University of Bolton stadium before making its way to Goodison Park.
Applications are open now for keen cyclists to take part in the endurance event, with 20 places available for fundraisers who are asked to raise a minimum of £2000 each.
The target for The Speed Challenge has been set at £65,000 – representing the 65 times he played for Everton during a glittering playing career.
The first donation towards that fundraising target has already been made by Gary’s parents, Roger and Carol, from the Gary Speed Foundation - a charity that was founded in Gary’s memory following his tragic suicide in 2011.
All money raised from The Speed Cycle will go towards helping Everton in the Community reach its £1m fundraising target to build The People’s Place - a purpose-built mental health facility close to Goodison Park that will support anyone in times of need.
Everton Football Club is therefore looking for a team of fit and experienced cyclists who will be able to take on the gruelling challenge of covering 230 miles in the saddle including the hills of Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Places are strictly limited and to ensure participants fit the tight criteria recommended to finish this demanding challenge, cyclists are asked to register their interest via the form below and provide as much information as possible about your cycling experience in order to ensure participants are of a similar standard to undertake the challenging fundraising ride.
Everton in the Community CEO Richard Kenyon said:
“We are honoured to be working with Carol and Roger on our plans for The Speed Cycle and are grateful to have their support and backing as we embark on our next stage of fundraising for The People’s Place. We hope that Evertonians and football fans all across the country will take The Speed Cycle to their heart as we remember Gary and work with his family to continue his legacy.”
Carol Speed, Gary’s mother, added:
“We are looking forward to working with Everton in the Community over the coming months and making the Speed Cycle a real success in Gary’s memory. We hope that everyone gets behind the challenge so we can raise as much as possible for The People’s Place.”
Registration costs £200 per cyclist which will cover all expenses including minibus travel to Newcastle, two nights hotel accommodation, all refreshment on route including lunch, evening meal and snacks as well as protein bars, gels, water and energy drinks although does not include refreshments on travel day. The registration fee also includes branded kit including cycling vest and rain jacket.
Register your interest here https://evertonfc.tfaforms.net/291