Matthew Wells

Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust

Hi all, 

I've signed up to ride Le Loop 2025 to raise much needed funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust - more about the trust below.

Le Loop follows the official route of the Tour de France, one week ahead of the professionals, but on the same schedule, and finishes 21 stages later in Paris. In those three weeks, we will cycle over 3,250 kilometers and ascend 60,000+ meters on our bikes. From experience, this is a full-on challenge and draws on the depths of riders' physical, emotional and mental resilience. This year's highlights include summit finishes on Peyragudes (Pyrenees), Mont Ventoux (Provence) and Col de la Loze (Alps). 

On Saturday 28th June 2025 around 40 of us will gather in Lille for the 'Grand Depart'. Others will join at the start to cycle a few stages and more will join over the three weeks for later stages of the tour.

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 in the UK 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. I have supported the trust for the past 12 years and have actively engaged with the charities supported by the trust - these are worthwhile causes and happy to talk more about them with you. Most importantly, I have seen first hand your money going to great use to provide safety, security and fuel social mobility for the most disadvantaged of young people.

I am grateful for your kind donations - every pound, dollar, euro and dirham helps power the pedal strokes and will improve young people's lives who did not get the start in life many of us have had. 

Thank you for your support. Will update you from the roads of France. Vive Le Tour!

Matt.