Big Wheels Keep On Turning, Group Uses Pedal Power To Raise Money For Sick Kids

A Formula One-loving man from Stafford, and his equally passionate friends, have raised over £3,600 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity in their latest cycle adventure by cycling 1,000 miles from Milton Keynes to Austria just in time for the F1 Austrian Grand Prix.   

Rich Tindale felt inspired to fundraise for multiple charities after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 15 years ago. Rich wanted to prove his illness did not define him, so armed with an idea and a love for cycling, he contacted his best friend Si Campbell to help.  

When discussing charities they could support, it was an easy choice to select Birmingham Children’s Hospital, as Si’s son, Jasper, was cared for there, before sadly passing from his illness, leukaemia. The pair then decided to use Rich’s love for the F1 as inspiration for their challenge – cycling to various Grand Prix circuits. 

Rich’s fundraising adventures have been going for almost ten years, cycling to multiple countries, including Belgium, Italy and Monaco, with a group of 25 friends all united to do something great for charity. The kind-hearted group self-fund their adventures meaning every penny raised from fundraising goes straight to the causes.  

After so many previous trips, the group was meticulously organised and ready for anything ahead of their latest challenge. Nonetheless, many obstacles stood in their way, including physical health challenges, mental fatigue, intense weather and road closures. However, the group persisted and crossed the finish line in nine days. 

They managed to raise a brilliant £3,600 on their latest trip, taking their total raised for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity over the years to more than £10,000. 

Rich says: “Fundraising for charity has been such an empowering experience and our team are so brilliant with their dedication to the cause.  

“Fundraising in memory of Jasper is always emotionally difficult but worth it to achieve something fabulous in his name. Ultimately, we just want to give back to this hospital and inspire others to do the same. We are so proud of ourselves and look forward to more fundraising in the future.” 

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “These epic cycle challenges are no mean feat, especially with Rich battling his illness. We are so grateful for Rich, Si and the team for taking on so many of these bike rides for us over the years. Their dedication in memory of Jasper is so special, and the money raised will help so many other kids.”