Rugby legends hit road to say thanks for how LRI helped Paul
RUGBY legends are joining a cycling challenge to do 120 miles in 24 hours to raise money for Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Former England and Tigers hero Dean Richards will be among the riders doing the Mad Dog 100 challenge to raise money for the hospital unit where his mate, Paul “Mad Dog” Williams, received treatment following a shock cancer diagnosis at Christmas.
Paul, 58, has helped raise more than £500,000 for good causes through his Gravity Fund-raiser events, held in conjunction with friends including Tigers old boys Richards, Harry Roberts, John Duggan and Neil Fletcher.
These events have been instrumental in assisting numerous charities and families with disabled children in and around Leicestershire, but this one is to help the hospital which has put him on the road to recovery.
The group will set off from Hinckley Rugby Club and pedal their way around the Leicestershire countryside in the summer, with fellow Leicester Tigers old boys Freddie Tuilagi, Martin Corry, Neil Back, Darren Garforth, Harry Ellis and Darren Grewcock some of the others joining in.
The group will wind their way around a 60-mile route, camping at Tuilagi-Laird Park for the launch night of Freddie Tuilagi’s inaugural rugby festival.
For those who survive the night, there will be a game of over-40s rugby the next day, followed by the return ride to Hinckley Rugby Club.
Those who want to join in can do so in several ways – by applying to take part in the ride, donating to the charity or supporting the cyclists.
The driving force behind the event is Paul, known as “Mad Dog” for his uncompromising playing style.
After his cancer diagnosis on Christmas Eve last year, Paul has had a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, arranged by the oncology department at Leicester Royal Infirmary.
After six gruelling weeks, with sores and blisters affecting his eating and breathing, he finished his course of treatment. Now, he and his fellow Gravity Fund-raisers have used their connections within rugby to set about raising the money, which will help the infirmary continue to provide what he said was an incredible level of service, dealing with cancer and saving lives.
Paul said: “One of the great things about rugby is how people stick together and help those who need it.
“Since word began to get out about us doing this ride, I’ve had calls from all sorts of people wanting to help or take part, and that’s been really pleasing.
“Other local rugby clubs are getting involved, we’ve got several Leicester Tigers greats helping to raise the profile and it should be a lot of fun.
“Some of the lads are getting some sneaky early training in, but it’s all for a great cause.
“The team at the LRI were incredible in helping me get through my cancer treatment, and we just want to help them so other patients and families can benefit from the same amazing level of care that I’ve had. We’re looking for around 100 riders, and people can register through our website, as well as donating through our Just Giving page.
“There are also a lot of other ways in which people can help, by sponsoring riders, donating certain items or supporting the cyclists on the day.”
For Mad Dog 100 info, visit:
FUND-RAISERS COMING TOGETHER IN SUMMER
One of the things about rugby is how people stick together and help those who need it. Paul Williams
To register to ride, visit:
gravityfundraisers.co.uk/register
To donate, head for:
justgiving.com/fundraising/maddog100
For Tuilagi Rugby Festival: