A WOODLEY youngster is planning to raise £10,000 by cycling 230 miles to France.
Never one to say non, Dexter Rosier, 11, will set off from the borough in August on his three day trip.
His mum Sam Rosier, said: “Dexter is a very keen fundraiser, and always gives everything his best shot.
“It’s going to be very full on, but he’s so excited.
“He has lots of dedication, and he likes helping people.”
Dexter’s fundraiser will support Sport in Mind, a mental health charity that aims to transform the lives and mental health of children and adults through sport and physical activity; Wheelpower, the national charity for wheelchair sport; and Fanconi Hope, because his teacher’s son, Theo, has fanconi anaemia.
“At Dexter’s school, Waingels, the students were asked what challenge they would take in 2024,” explained Ms Rosier.
“When Dexter said he wanted to raise money for Theo, his teacher was quite moved.”
Dexter hopes to arrive in the city of romance in time for the opening of the Paralympic Games in Paris on August 28.
Places Leisure, which runs a number of fitness centres in the borough, is keen to support the youngster with the training he needs.
Fitness manager Dave Covey will put Dexter through his paces at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, Wokingham, using a smart Wattbike to record his progress.
Mr Covey will not only train Dexter, he also plans to join him on the trip, along with People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Daniel Johnson, and businessman Richard Forte.
Friends and teachers from Waingels College, may also get on their bikes to see Dexter off.
In April Dexter will begin practising on the borough’s roads, but for now, he’ll train indoors with Mr Covey.
Dave Covey said: “It’s great to be working with Dexter.
“We’ll start an 18 week training plan with small rides, building up over the weeks and months.”
This year The Paris Paralympic torch will start its journey at Stoke Mandeville, ending at the Paris stadium in time for the opening of the games.
“One of Dexter’s chosen charities, Wheelpower, is based in Stoke Mandeville, where the Paralympic Movement began,” said Mr Covey.
“The Paralympic torch will start its journey from there, arriving in Paris for the opening of the games.
“It would be wonderful if we can arrange for Dexter to join the Lighting of the Olympic Torch Ceremony.”
The young fundraiser has already been recognised in the borough for his remarkable charity work, running, cycling, and camping out in his garden for months on end, to raise money for good causes.
He has received awards from Pride Of Reading in 2021, and from Wokingham Community Awards last November, when he was proclaimed Young Hero Of The Year.
“I enjoy cycling,” said Dexter.
“I often get my bike out of the shed, and we go out for family rides quite regularly.
“I’m really keen to support all three of my chosen charities with this challenge, and I’m prepared to put in the work.”
Wokingham.Today will be following Dexter’s progress over the coming months, and will release information as the plan develops.
For now, Dexter and his team can say he expects to be leaving Woodley on Sunday, August 25, to arrive in Paris on Tuesday, August 27.
He is still looking for further sponsorship, and would be grateful to hear from people able to help.
To sponsor Dexter, email: [email protected].
For information, visit: www.sportinmind.org, www.wheelpower.org.uk, www.paralympic.org/paris-2024 www.fanconihope.org and www.placesleisure.org.
