A YOUNG borough cyclist who will pedal to Paris for this year’s Paralympics, found time in his busy training schedule to contribute to a film for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Dexter Rosier, 11, trains at least twice every week on a watt bike at Bulmershe Leisure Centre, where fitness manager Dave Covey, is currently helping him to build up his stamina for his 230 mile ride.
He’s also now beginning to take to borough roads to get him accustomed to cycling in traffic.
“He’s incredibly busy,” said his mum, Sam Rosier, “but he’s training really well, and he loves it.”
As well as cycling, Dexter also takes part after school clubs, athletics, tennis, swimming, football and cricket.
Despite his extremely busy programme, he somehow found time to meet up with representatives of Sport in Mind, and Sport England, to contribute to a mental health video to be aired online.
Filming took place in Woodford Park, Woodley for an advert for Mental Health Awareness Week.
“It was really exciting to take part,” said Dexter.
“I was offered the chance to play football and to try archery while we were shooting the video.
“I love football anyway, but I enjoyed the archery too, and I’m glad I could try it.
“The Sport England team asked me about what I’m doing, and why.”
Dexter’s long cycle to France in August will raise money for three causes: Sport In Mind; Wheelpower; and his teacher’s young son Theo who has fanconi anaemia, a rare genetic disorder that causes gradual bone marrow failure.
“Sport In Mind has encouraged me to do more sport,” continued Dexter.
“It makes me happy, and calms me down.
“It was good in the video to be able to share with others the benefits of taking part in it.”
Dexter’s mum, Sam said: “Sport In Mind see Dexter as a great young ambassador for the charity, so they were pleased that he could contribute to the video for Mental Health Awareness Week.
“Plans for his cycling trip to France are going well, and we’re delighted to have gained a new sponsor, the Barber Lounge in Woodley.
“We’ve been going there for haircuts for years, and are pleased and grateful that they have come on board.”
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place on Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 19.
Dexter plans to leave Woodley on Sunday, August 25, to arrive in Paris on Tuesday, August 27.
He still needs more sponsors for his fundraising venture.
For information, visit: www.sportinmind.org, www.wheelpower.org.uk, www.sportengland.org, www.fanconihope.org and www.paralympic.org.
For his sponsors, log onto: www.enterprise.co.uk, www.placesleisure.org and search for The Barber Lounge, Woodley on Facebook.
To support him, people should email: [email protected], or visit: www.donate.giveasyoulive.com and search for Dexter Rosier.
