63-year-old ‘Rapid Rich’ to cycle 5000 miles, across the USA for The Children’s Hospital Charity

On 3rd August Rich Stoodley is setting off on a ‘journey of a lifetime’, cycling 5000 miles to raise money for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

A keen cyclist, Rich - or “Rapid Rich” as he has always been known - will travel across the USA. He is taking on the challenge solo - going coast to coast from New York to San Francisco.

Rich said: “It's probably a daft thing to do at 63, but you never know what is around the corner, so ‘Don't Dream – DO’, that's my motto.”

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Having raced Moto-X, motorbikes, and driven rally cars, Rich is now pushing himself on two wheels. His ride across USA is his latest challenge, after previously completing a 1900-mile ride across Europe in tribute to his father, a WWII Paratrooper, who was in the first plane to drop on D-Day.

Rich is a character - with his own knitted alter ego 'Little Rapid'Rich is a character - with his own knitted alter ego 'Little Rapid'
Rich is a character - with his own knitted alter ego 'Little Rapid'

This most recent challenge was initially inspired by a little joke, to ‘pop in’ for a cup of tea with one of his long-time supporters, Wilderness Trail Bikes, who supply Rich with biking equipment. When Rich did more research, he found that their Head Office was in Mill Valley, just outside of San Francisco, and so the challenge was set.

Rich said: “Initially I wobbled and thought it was too much, too far, but then I thought I’m running out of years that I will be physically able to do this. I love adventure and I love challenges, and if I can do this then I can also maybe make some decent money for charity too.”

Rich will be setting off on his epic 5000 mile cycling trip from New York on 3rd August and plans to arrive in San Fransisco, 5000 miles later, in mid to late October.

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Rich’s ride will support a cause close to his heart, The Children’s Hospital Charity.

'Rapid Rich' will cycle 5000 miles across the USA to raise money for The Children's Hospital Charity'Rapid Rich' will cycle 5000 miles across the USA to raise money for The Children's Hospital Charity
'Rapid Rich' will cycle 5000 miles across the USA to raise money for The Children's Hospital Charity

The Children’s Hospital Charity helps to change lives at Sheffield Children’s every day. Sheffield Children’s is one of just three standalone specialist children’s hospitals in the UK, providing the best possible care for children all over Yorkshire, the UK and beyond. The charity helps to make sure the team at Sheffield Children’s has exactly what they want, when they need it, to deliver the best possible care for its patients. The money raised supports specialist treatment from head to toe, by funding life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment and vital research, which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world. The support the charity offers over and above the NHS provision is only made possible by the incredible support they receive from people like Rich.

When asked why he was doing this challenge, Rich said: “The Charity has been chosen because I have witnessed firsthand the incredible support they have provided for friends and family. I'm delighted and proud to be supporting The Children’s Hospital Charity.

“I hope this ride will be an inspiration to others to realise their dream or passion and commit to something they've always wanted to do. I hope it inspires everyone to know that we can all do incredible things.

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“My inspiration comes from the fact that many people, young and old, find themselves with medical conditions that change their lives. This Ride is to support those people, and if others want to help me get to the end, then there will be no better reminder and encouragement to help me cover those gruelling miles than the 'ping' of another kind donation notification on my phone.”

Rich’s inspiring challenge will help The Children’s Hospital Charity to continue raising vital funds for Sheffield Children’s.

Events Fundraising Manager, Emily Beahan, said: “The Children’s Hospital Charity are so grateful to Rich for his support. To ride 5000 miles across the USA is an absolutely incredible challenge, and Rich’s dedication and generosity in doing this is inspiring. We have seen the work Rich has done previously and we’re excited to see him do his biggest challenge yet. The Children’s Hospital Charity supports Sheffield Children’s to provide life changing care for children from the UK and beyond, and that is only possible thanks to the support of fundraisers like Rich. We will be supporting ‘Rapid Rich’ for every pedal of his journey, and we hope people from across the world get behind him and donate.”

To donate and find out more about Rapid Rich’ Challenge, visit his page: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/4050/rapid-richs-5000-mile-usa-solo-cycling-challenge/

You can also follow his progress online at:

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