The Old Penarthians are getting on their bikes for a 24 hour Cyclothon at Anytime Fitness to raise money for their away game in Majorca against a regional team on the 24th March.

We went down to Anytime Fitness to talk to Ian Davis about their exciting fundraising event. 

“We are hoping to raise £2000 for the tour in Majorca for the kit. We have over 50 people coming with us, which is over 400 pieces of kit we need to raise money for. But the money we raise isn’t just for us. Half of what we raise will be going to Headlands Special Education School in Penarth.”

Talking about why he chose to do this event, Ian expressed that he wanted to choose something that would be inclusive for everyone. By choosing a Cyclothon, it meant that a lot more people could get involved and help them to raise as much money as possible. With three bikes set up in Anytime Fitness, over 50 people will be taking part in this incredible event. Including Old Penarthian staff, players, family members and friends, from ages 15 to 80, who will each be cycling at least 1 hour. By the end of the 24 hours, they will have cycled the equivalent of here to Majorca, which is approximately 1,273 miles. 

Ian also reflected on the importance of community and commitment, “I wanted the boys to understand fundraising instead of just going for sponsorship. I didn’t just want to go into a business and ask for a sponsorship deal. Instead I wanted all the money to be earned by us. And it’s important for them to know that the money they raise isn’t just for us but can go to other people who need it.

“I showed them the kit package that we wanted and told them, ‘raise the money, get the kit’. They needed to see that fundraising can be challenging. It’s important for those young lads to understand that.”

Another fundraising event was held last year raised £700, but they’re hoping to push past last years number and make as much money as possible. 

The Old Penarthians rugby team will be taking part in this event and most will be doing 3 hours on the bikes. An hour cycling, another to stay to watch and support their teammates, and then back on for another hour. Ian Davis talked about how important it was to display a sense of strong community values, which is one of the reasons they chose to hold the event in Anytime Fitness.

We wish them good luck for their cyclothon challenge and seeing the level of commitment and hard work they are putting into it, we’re sure they will raise the money they need.