Jersey Reds’ players will be donning cycle helmets and taking a break from pre-season training when they take part in a round-the-Island relay race.
Featuring five teams made up of seven players each, the time trial event will take place on Saturday July 10th over a 54km course.
The event is part of a fundraising drive for a charity nominated by Reds’ fly-half Sam Leeming, who had a cancer diagnosis in 2020 but is now back training with the squad.
Leeming was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma last September and went through chemotherapy treatment before being given the all-clear earlier this year.
With Leeming having nominated the Teenage Cancer Trust Jersey Appeal as an organisation that had provided help to him and many others going through cancer treatment, the cause was adopted by the Reds squad.
A virtual round-Island ride took place on static bikes in May, raising just over £4,000, and now the Reds players will be pounding the pedals for real as they tackle a lap of the Island and seek to raise more funds.
Head Coach Rob Webber said: “The boys really enjoyed the event in May, but now we’re looking to get out on the roads for real and continue our fundraising.
“The teams won’t just be racing to be the quickest to complete the course, but also to raise the highest amount of money, and they’re a competitive bunch who will be keen to claim one of the two ‘yellow jersey’ prizes.”
Leeming, who will take part in the race alongside 34 team-mates, added: “Organisations like the Teenage Cancer Trust provide fantastic support for people like me who’ve had some tough times after being diagnosed and going through treatment.
“It’s great to be able to give something back to such a worthwhile cause and I’m grateful that the boys have committed to support this race – we’re really looking forward to getting stuck in to this challenge.”
Anyone wanting to support the event by making a donation should visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jersey-reds1
