A 12-year-old from Woodley is set to ride from Woodley to Paris in a bid to raise money for charities.
Dexter Rosier is gearing up for his 230-mile cycle challenge to Paris for the opening of the Paralympic games next week to raise £10,000 for charities close to his heart.
Setting off from his home in Woodley on August 25, Dexter will be riding for three days, covering 65 miles on day one, 85 miles and day two and 74 miles on day three.
He will be joined by his mum Sam as they cycle their way to the opening of the Paralympics on August 28.
Dexter’s 230-mile ride is a fundraising adventure of a lifetime to support Sport in Mind, Fanconi Hope, and Wheelpower.
To train for the mammoth challenge, Dexter began training earlier this year with the support of Places Leisure’s Bulmershe Leisure Centre – who offered him a free strength and cycling programme and use of the gym to help his fundraising efforts.
Dave Covey, group workout instructor at Places Leisure, and his partner Emma – also a Places Leisure employee – are taking on the ride with Dexter and Sam.
Dexter said: “This challenge is really important to me for a number of reasons.
“I know it will be tough, but I’m ready and can’t wait to take it on.
“Firstly, I have worked really hard to train for this with the help of Dave and others at Places Leisure, and I hope I can display the resilience and dedication that can help inspire others to chase their dreams.
“The charities are also very close to my heart, and I want to raise as much money as possible to support them and the amazing work they do.
“Sport in Mind, in particular, has been a big help to me, getting me active when my own mental health had declined.
“Fanconi Hope does great work to support children with Fanconi Aneamia – a life-limiting disorder – and they supported the son of my form tutor, so I wanted to help.
“My third charity, Wheelpower, helps disabled children get into sport and I can’t think of a more fitting cause to cycle to the Paralympics for and show that sport is for everyone.
“I’m so grateful for everyone’s support so far, and anything you can give to support my three charities would be hugely appreciated.”
Dave Covey, group workout instructor at Places Leisure, said: “To meet Dexter and help him train for such an incredible challenge has already been an amazing journey, and I have no doubts that mum and boy will get the job done.
“This was all Dexter’s idea, and the minute we heard about it we wanted to help all we could.
“To use sport and exercise to do something so amazing and to support three remarkable causes, fully embodies everything that Places Leisure is here for and we couldn’t be prouder of Dexter.
“He is an inspiration, and I hope others see what he is doing and are driven to take on their own challenges and smash their own goals.
“It’s been a privilege for Dexter and his family to allow me into their lives and secondly to help this wonderful young human being to achieve one of his amazing goals, because this will be achieved.”
As well as donating to his three charities, you can also pledge to walk, run, cycle or choose your own activity to move 10km each to support and collectively move alongside Dexter as he makes his way to Paris.
Visit Dexter’s Pedal to Paris fundraising cycle ride | Total Active Hub to learn more, to donate and to follow Dexter on his route.
