Staff, students, governors and supporters from Hartpury University and Hartpury College will be pedalling with purpose this summer as they take on an ambitious three-day charity cycle challenge from St Davids in Wales back to Hartpury’s Gloucestershire campus.
Taking place from 29 June to 1 July, the challenge will see the team cover approximately 270 kilometres (170 miles), travelling from the most westerly point in Wales through Carmarthen and Abergavenny before arriving back at Hartpury.
The ride is being undertaken to raise funds for Goals Beyond Grass, a Gloucestershire-based grassroots charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing for disabled children and adults through inclusive sport and physical activity.
A core team of Hartpury staff, students and supporters will complete the full three-day route, while additional riders will join for the final stage into Hartpury, ensuring the challenge is accessible to participants of different cycling abilities and experience levels.
Among those taking part across the challenge are Hartpury Vice-Chancellor, Executive Principal and CEO Professor Andy Collop and Hartpury advocate Mel Nicholls, governors, staff and students from across the institution, as well as external partners and supporters.
The cycle ride represents not only a significant physical and mental test, but also a shared commitment to supporting inclusive opportunities within the local community.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Prof. Andy Collop said: “This challenge is about teamwork, resilience and supporting a charity that makes a genuine difference in people’s lives here in the Forest of Dean and right across Gloucestershire. Goals Beyond Grass creates opportunities for people to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging through inclusive sport, and we’re proud to support their work.
“Hartpury’s challenge is not only about raising funds for this important cause, but also about promoting opportunities that directly benefit local people and communities across Gloucestershire. By supporting the ride, donors and partners will be helping to strengthen inclusive provision within the county and create more opportunities for people of all abilities to take part in sport and physical activity, something we’re passionate about at Hartpury.
“We know the route will be tough, but the cause behind it will keep us pedalling every mile.”
Founded in 2016, Goals Beyond Grass began with powerchair football and has since expanded to deliver a wide range of inclusive sport and community programmes. The charity creates safe, welcoming environments where disabled people can build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging through physical activity.
Funds raised through the challenge will help Goals Beyond Grass continue delivering accessible cycling and sports sessions, purchase specialist adaptive equipment, and support more people who are often excluded from traditional sporting opportunities.
William Alonso, Fundraising and Events Officer at Goals Beyond Grass added: “This fundraising challenge, taken on by an amazing group of people from Hartpury, is amazing, and we are so grateful to be the lucky charity that is being supported throughout the challenge. Support from fundraisers like this help us to continue delivering our sessions throughout the year, for over 10,000 visitors with disabilities! Every donation makes a massive difference, with even just £15 helping to run an extra hour of sessions for those that need them most!"
Mel Nicholls, a long-time associate of Hartpury University and Hartpury College and a three-time Paralympian who previously competed in T34 wheelchair racing events at London 2012 and Rio 2016, said: “Everybody should have the opportunity to ride a bike & there really is a bike out there for everyone - whether two-wheeled, three or four, or whether leg, arm powered or assisted.
“As a passionate advocate of disability sport and cycling, my answer was a definite yes to taking part in Hartpury’s 170-mile cycle challenge for Goals Beyond Grass - enabling people with disabilities opportunities to accessible cycling & sport. While the challenge will test us in many ways, it will no doubt showcase social connection, camaraderie, and achievement through physical activity, and the pure joy of riding a bike for all.”
The team would also like to thank the sponsors supporting the challenge: Aramark, Square One, HCR Law, EG Carter, Abi Precision Engineering, Enterprise Mobility, Two Rivers Housing and Abbey Business Interiors.
To support the team and donate, click here.
Every donation, no matter the size, will help Goals Beyond Grass continue delivering meaningful experiences that build confidence, connection and belonging for disabled people across Gloucestershire.
