Richard’s story
As part of my 60th birthday celebrations, I indulged in an enjoyable and successful Tandem Skydive in aid of The Willow Trust in 2023, whereby a group of 12 of us raised nearly £20,000 for this small but worthwhile charity, I thought that this year, I would attempt a 'solo' challenge.
Therefore, as I enjoy reasonably long cycle rides, that is what I will do..........
As a background to my endeavour, I did a bit of research on Leonard Matchan, which is the name of one of the two boats owned and run by The Willow Trust.
Leonard Matchan (1911-1987) was the European General Manager of Max Factor & Co. in Bournemouth in the 1940's & 1950's and also a Labour Party candidate in Poole in 1951.
The Leonard Matchan Fund Ltd. was the trust fund that was a major help to finance the building of the boat specifically for The Willow Trust in 2003.
As there is a link between Saul Junction (on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal), where the two Willow Trust boats are moored and Poole (Dorset) where Leonard Matchan had some ties, I thought that I would attempt to complete at least 200.3 miles by cycling from Saul Junction Marina to Poole & back over the weekend of the 17th & 18th August 2024.
The following excepts are taken from The Willow Trust website :-
'The aim of the Willow Trust is to provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages with a disability or serious illness to enjoy a therapeutic day out on the water.
Each year up to 7,000 children and adults with disabilities and serious illnesses spend a day on board (free of charge) on one of the two fully wheelchair accessible broad-beamed boats on the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal.
Both boats, Spirit of Freedom II and Leonard Matchan, were purpose built for the Willow Trust and give children and adults with disabilities a day of freedom they never dreamt possible.'
'The Willow Trust is completely self-funding. Every single penny required to keep the Willow Trust afloat is raised by you. We could not do this without the help and generosity of Rotary & Lions Clubs, Inner Wheel Clubs, the Friends of the Willow Trust, churches, schools, businesses, individuals, Charitable Trusts, legacies, donations from our guests, along with events organised throughout the year by you and us to raise money.'
This is why I ask you to donate generously to my challenge & help me raise at least £600 for this worthwhile cause.
Thanks in advance,
Rav
aka Richard Ravn-Listowski
Whitminster, Glos 2024
Fundraising Targets
All funds raised will be passed to the charity irrespective of whether my target is reached, not reached or exceeded.
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