EVESHAM’s Helen Russell saddled up for a pedal power inspired charity challenge which raised in excess of £30,000 for a much-loved Midlands charity.
The multi-sports athlete was among those to complete a gruelling ride from Fulham to West Bromwich as part of the Baggies Bike Challenge to raise funds for The Albion Foundation.
Helen rode as part of a team of twenty-nine cyclists, which included former West Bromwich Albion player Chris Brunt and celebrity fund-raiser ‘Blind Dave Healey’.
The team cycled a 180 mile route, which took them out of West London and through Reading, the Chiltern Hills, Bicester and Banbury, before arriving in West Bromwich for the game against Fulham.
Upon arrival the riders were welcomed to East Stand at The Hawthorns and received a rapturous applause whilst doing a lap of honour around the pitch at half-time.
Helen has been fund-raising with the other woman on the team who completed the challenge Sarah Robinson and together the duo have raised just over £2,000 and overall the team have raised in excess of £30,000.
The money will go towards the work of The Albion Foundation, which runs a range of community outreach schemes including, school visits and extra curriculum education, food bank and parcel deliveries, working with children in care, Alzheimer memories cafes, disability sports competitions and female sports development programmes.
“It was wonderful to be part of the team and complete the ride. Thanks to everyone who has donated, and in doing so, has helped the incredible work the Foundation does to transform lives,” she said.
Former WBA player and Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt relished the challenge and said: “I signed up for the challenge as the Albion Foundation is close to my heart and does excellent work. I enjoyed the challenge and everyone did incredibly well. Thanks for all the donations.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/wbasarahandhelen to make a donation.
