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Swansea University students saddle up for an epic cycling challenge
The four boys met at Swansea University and are all part of the university rugby team. “We’re about as far removed from cyclists as you can get,” says Tom.
“We’re all over six foot and it’s about half a tonne of weight on the bike with everything combined, so it’s definitely going to be tough,” adds Rory.
They were motivated to take on a physical challenge, but wanted something that would be memorable, “something that we’d look back on in 10 years time and think ‘wow, we did that’,” says Rory. “Lots of people cycle London to Paris, but I don’t think many would do it on a four person tandem bike!”
The inspiration behind the fundraising challenge is Tom's girlfriend Lizzie, who lives with cystic fibrosis (CF). "It is a cause close to our heart and important to all of us. I’ve seen firsthand how CF affects Lizzie on a daily basis, and all the boys have taken the time to learn about it, so we are raising awareness as well as funds,” says Tom.
“What really surprised me about CF is how many things come with it. It’s not just an issue with your lungs, there are so many other facets with it, which I never would have thought about. The impact is beyond what I could have imagined and I had no clue.”
Louis adds: “I didn’t have any idea. It was astonishing to me that people with CF couldn’t be in a room with other people and can’t relate to people as they’d like to.”
When Lizzie found out about the cycle ride, she couldn’t quite believe it at first. “To think they’d pu
t themselves in such an intense situation, I was like, ‘are you sure you want to do that?’”, she laughs. “But it’s amazing the awareness they are spreading. It’s really nice to see.”
As the challenge draws ever closer, the team are feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. “For our future selves to look back and know we’ve done something like this feels really exciting,” says Rory. “That feeling at the end will really motivate us to get through the toughest moments.”
Tom adds: “The fact I’ve got my three mates around me, all in the same boat – or on the same bike I should say. Knowing that this is tough but we’re all in it together, will keep us going.”
As will the knowledge that they are raising money for a charity that means so much to Lizzie. “The Trust has always been a part of my life and has been pivotal for me and my family,” she says. “The support we’ve had, and so many other families with CF have had, has been amazing.”
Good luck to the Cycle4CF team – and a massive thank you for your support. You can follow their journey on Instagram @cycle4cf, and donate to their fundraising page here.
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