Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust
So I will be 50 in September. There is no better time to do something bonkers. As a 50th birthday present for myself I am cycling 4 stages of the tour de france a week ahead of the pros in June and July. I hope I can stay ahead of them!!
It's for a really great cause supporting young people who may not have the same opportunities as many. As many know I LOVE cycling even though I am on the plump side!
Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals and finishes 21 stages later in Nice (due to the Olympics in Paris).
On Friday 21st June 2024 around 100 riders will gather in Florence for the 'Grand Depart'. Some cycle a few days, some ride further. More will join us over the following 3 weeks of the tour.
Riders tackle one of a selection of "Loops" riding anything from 2 to all 21 stages of the Tour de France route. Every participant commits to raising a minimum amount for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT). The fundraised money is entirely separate from the participation fee - donations do not pay for my Tour.
All monies raised go directly to the William Wates Memorial Trust whose mission is to help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence and fulfil their potential. This is achieved by giving grants to charities that engage young people through the medium of sports, arts and education.
It's been a tough couple of years for charities and particularly for young people. This is my chance to give something back and help support young people who aren't lucky enough to enjoy the advantages in life that most of us take for granted.
Le Loop is no small undertaking. Riding even ONE stage of the Tour de France route is going to hurt! Please reward my pain by giving generously.
Merci!
Thank you to my Sponsors
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£315
Kate And Tim
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£265
Mom And Linda
Good Luck Matty
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£108
Amanda E
You fill me with admiration and what an important cause. Come back safely!
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£108
Hepburns
Happy Birthday Matty! Love from the Hepburns x
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£108
Charlotte Hopkins
Happy birthday and good luck from team Hoppos
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£100
Ellen Schroder
Wow - am very impressed - exhausting just to think about it!
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£54
Kiki Syrad
Happy Birthday! I'm sure it will be worth the pain, looks amazing!
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£50
Chris Kennedy
Chapeau. Those are non-trivial stages !
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£50
Louise Parkes
Happy Birthday and good luck!
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£30
Anna Ferrant
Good Luck Mat!
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£30
Cym
Good luck and pictures at the end of the stages please!
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£21.60
A wonderful cause and a challenging ride. Go Matty!