Thomas Cheung

Le Loop - supporting the William Wates Memorial Trust

On Friday 21st June 2024 I will be embarking on my greatest cycling challenge yet: the 2024 Tour de France route. While I have done plenty of day-long events, or the odd week of cycling here and there, this promises to be the most physically and mentally gruelling weeks of my life. 3492 km (2170 mi), including 52300 m (172000 ft) of climbing, over 21 stages.  Just like the pros, albeit a lot, lot slower. 

As I fluctuate between fear, elation, panic and anticipation at what might be in store for me, I ultimately feel lucky that I have a form of escapism like cycling. Sadly, it is something that many cannot afford, in more ways than one. As a firm believer that the most fortunate are indeed literally fortunate, and often more so than they may realise, I consider it a duty to try and spread the result of some of this luck I have been granted.

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.

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.

Merci!