Paralympian cycles for Sydenham charity (From News Shopper)
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Paralympian cycles for Sydenham charity
12:34pm Tuesday 9th October 2012 in Community By Heloise Wood
Paralympian Michael Smith with friend Joseph Masters (who rode the front if his tandem) at the finish in Brighton
A PARALYMPIAN supported Sydenham-based charity St Christopher’s Hospice by riding from London to Brighton on a tandem.
Michael Smith, a member of the blind football team, took on the challenge to support the Candle Project which helps young people in south-east London cope with bereavement.
The sports star recently visited youngsters involved the scheme and spoke about losing his sight at university and being picked for the England blind football team.
Staff say he was so "moved" by the experience he decided to do something for the project.
Michael was joined by 31 supporters and staff members on the cycling challenge, all of whom have been raising sponsorship and awareness.
The journey started from St Christopher’s Hospice, in Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham at 10am on October 7.
St Christopher’s senior fundraising manager Paul Fennelly said: "We are so grateful to Michael for creating this event in support of the Candle Project - it was a really fun day."
The scheme supports over 250 children and their families each year and has worked with the MOD and the Met to provide specialist bereavement training.
