Richard’s story
As part of my 60th birthday celebrations in 2023, I indulged in an enjoyable and successful 15,000 foot Tandem Skydive in aid of The Willow Trust, whereby a group of 12 of us raised nearly £20,000 for this small but worthwhile charity.
Then, in August 2024 I completed a 'solo' challenge of a 200 mile bike ride from Saul Marina (Gloucestershire) to Poole (Dorset) and back over the course of a weekend, proudly raising over £1000 for The Willow Trust.
After developing severe Osteoarthritis in my left ankle, having to walk (most of the time) with the aid of a stick & unfortunately not being able to ride my “road” bike, I decided not to do any charity or fund-raising activities in 2025.
Then in early 2026 I discovered that the static bike in my local gym gave me a good cardiovascular workout, which was also gentle on my arthritic ankle. So, I have now decided to attempt a “Static” 100 mile challenge in my local Fifth Gym (Stonehouse) on their “Technogym Bike Excite+ 9000” bike prior to having a Total Ankle Replacement operation in September 2026.
My challenge is to complete the 100 miles in around 6 ½ Hours on Sunday 23rd August 2026
The following excerpts 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.'
More information about The Willow Trust can be found by clicking on their logo above, or here:
https://www.willowtrust.org/
This is why I ask you to donate generously to my challenge & help me raise at least £500 for this worthwhile cause.
As my operation is only a week after this challenge, I will not be collecting any cash sponsorships, so please only donate through this website
Thanks in advance,
Rav
aka Richard Ravn-Listowski
Whitminster, Glos 2026
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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