Rob Halkyard

A few years ago, I cycled three days of the Tour de France to support the William Wates Memorial Trust, and this July I’ll be proving that I’m older, but no wiser!

I’m taking on an epic three–day ride through the French Pyrenees this July, following the official route of the world’s biggest bike race – and I’d love your support to help change young lives at the same time.

Over three brutal  stages and around 375 km of riding, I’ll be climbing thousands of metres through legendary Pyrenean passes, from gateway towns like Pau deep into the mountains and back out again. Each day is a full “Tour day” in its own right: long hours in the saddle and big, big climbs.

I’m not doing this just for the challenge (or the pain!). By riding Le Loop, I’m raising money for the William Wates Memorial Trust, which supports some of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK – helping them stay away from crime and violence and giving them the chance to fulfil their potential through sport, the arts and education.

Le Loop exists to raise funds for the William Wates Memorial Trust (WWMT), which awards grants to brilliant grassroots projects working with young people who’ve had a tough start in life. These are community organisations that use activities such as football sessions, boxing clubs, dance, music, mentoring, and education programmes to give teenagers a safe place to go, positive role models, and real opportunities.

The Trust is careful about where every pound goes, backing projects that can show real impact and helping them grow sustainably. Since Le Loop began, riders have helped raise millions of pounds for WWMT, and every year that support is more important as charities face rising demand and costs.

For three consecutive days, I’ll be riding the same roads the pros race just days later and attempting some of the toughest mountain climbs the Tour has to offer, including the Col du Tourmalet, the “Giant of the Pyrenees”.

Every donation, however small, genuinely makes a difference. Together, we can help fund youth projects that keep young people engaged, motivated, and away from destructive paths by giving them chances many of us simply took for granted growing up. For the young people involved, that can mean the difference between dropping out of school or staying in, drifting into trouble or finding a positive community and a future they’re excited about.

Le Loop covers its event costs separately, so your donation goes directly to the William Wates Memorial Trust and the projects it supports – not to my travel or entry fees. You’re not just sponsoring a bike ride; you’re investing in young lives.

When I’m grinding up a seemingly endless Pyrenean climb, I’ll be thinking about every person who donated and about the young people we’re helping together – that’s what will get me to the top.

Thank you so much for reading and for your support.

Merci!