A cyclist who lost his leg following a motorcycle accident three years ago has raised an incredible £1,380 for Derby charity Safe and Sound after completing his first sportive since the accident. Paul took part in the recent HUUB Sportive, completing his longest cycle ride since his accident, on an adapted trike and helping contribute towards an impressive £3,250 raised for Safe and Sound through the event.
Paul already had a close connection to the charity through his wife, who volunteers with Safe and Sound, and decided to use his return to sportive cycling as an opportunity to support its work with children, young people and families affected by exploitation across Derby and Derbyshire.
“It was my first sportive since my accident 3 years ago. Safe and sound is a charity that my wife volunteers for. They do amazing work and I wanted to support a local charity. It’s the longest distance I’ve cycled, and the event was well organised. I will be back next year for the 100k!”
Paul was one of 120 adult cyclists who took part in the main HUUB Sportive, which brought together cyclists, businesses, families, volunteers and community organisations for a day of cycling and fundraising.
The event also encouraged the next generation to get on two wheels, with 40 young people and their families completing an eight-mile junior ride from Pride Park to Elvaston Castle and back.
A further nine children took part in cycling activities at Pride Park with Cycle Derby. Among them were two young people who arrived unable to ride a bike but, following coaching and encouragement from the Cycle Derby team, were cycling by the end of the day.
“Paul’s achievement was one of the real highlights of the day. Taking on his first sportive since losing his leg, completing his longest ride in three years and raising £1,380 in the process is something he should be enormously proud of. We are incredibly grateful that Paul chose to support Safe and Sound and to everyone who sponsored him. Every pound raised helps us continue our specialist work with children, young people and families affected by exploitation. The whole event demonstrated what can happen when people come together. From our adult cyclists and young riders to the volunteers, sponsors, partners and supporters behind the scenes, everyone played a part in raising an amazing £3,250.”
The event was delivered with the support of a wide range of local organisations and partners, including HUUB, Cycle Derby, Derby County FC, Cycle Mickleover, Derby Homes, Ozzy Wheels BMX Club, the Merlin Chapter of the Masonic Bikers Association, Midlands Bike Marshals, Aramark, Cosy, Love Marketing, EMU Event Management UK and Vivelo Events, alongside Safe and Sound staff, ambassadors and volunteers.
Safe and Sound also partnered with the family of Jono Hornblow for the event, with funds raised supporting Safe and Sound and The Jono Hornblow Trust.