‘Thank you’ Ex-gloucester star grateful for support as ride launches campaign
FORMER Gloucester Rugby star Ed Slater, along with some of his former team-mates, completed a 350-mile bike ride in front of crowds at an emotional Kingsholm.
Ed announced his retirement immediately after revealing that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease last month.
The cycle challenge was part of the 4Ed Campaign, which was launched after the second-row had made his announcement.
He was joined by team-mates from former clubs Leicester Tigers and Gloucester Rugby: Fraser Balmain, Billy Twelvetrees, Jim Hamilton, Alex Brown, Charlie Sharples and Lewis Ludlow.
They started their journey in Gloucester on August 6 and made their way to Leicester before heading down to Milton Keynes – Ed’s home town – and Twickenham Stadium the following day. On August 8 the group made their way to Kingsholm Stadium, where they finished the trip at around 7.20pm.
“I don’t know where to start,” Ed told current Gloucester Rugby star Mark Atkinson at the finish line. “I had a little cry coming down Birdlip Hill, I’ll be honest. It’s been quite emotional and a tough three days, but these guys dragged me through three tough days – today was a really, really tough day.
“[It’s] really emotional to feel all your support; I’m just a normal bloke from Milton Keynes who’s OK at rugby, and the way you’ve supported me after this diagnosis has been huge.
“I never would’ve expected it, so I have to thank you from me and my family – I can’t thank you enough. It’s been mind-blowing.”
Several events will take place throughout the upcoming season in support of the 4Ed Campaign, with the three-day ride being the first. The others are still to be announced.
Supporters who wish to make their own fundraising efforts for the campaign can donate to the Justgiving page set up in support of Ed and his family, which has raised more than £70,000 to date. It can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gloucesterrugby-4ed
[It’s] really emotional to feel all your support Ed Slater