When Rory decided to take on a charity cycling challenge, he had two goals: to ride further than he'd ever ridden before and to raise money for a local cause close to his heart.
Rory, who is supported by MacIntyre in Warrington, has a long-standing connection with Warrington Foodbank. During the Covid pandemic, he volunteered to pack and deliver food parcels to local people who needed them.
It was also during the pandemic that Rory discovered his love of cycling, making the most of the daily exercise allowance to get out on his bike.
I wanted to raise money for charity because I'd volunteered during Covid, packing and delivering food parcels to vulnerable local people,
Rory explains.
I'd never cycled out of Warrington before, and I wanted to raise money for a local charity.
Rory approached Pete from MacIntyre Great Communities, who helps deliver a community cooking group at Warrington Foodbank. Together, they came up with a plan: a sponsored cycle ride from Warrington to the Aviation Viewing Park at Manchester Airport.
Getting ready for the big ride
Rory spent the summer building up his confidence and stamina, heading out on regular rides along the Trans Pennine Trail.
One of his biggest milestones was cycling independently from his home to Lymm Village, his longest solo ride yet.
I loved spending Monday mornings on my bike, cycling along the trail and into Lymm. I'd stop at Cuppacinos café for a coffee too.
All that preparation paid off when the big day arrived.
Setting off at 9.30am, Rory was joined by Simon from his cycling social group, Simon's support worker Luke, and Pete. The team followed the Trans Pennine Trail through Lymm and Dunham Massey before tackling the more challenging stretches through Altrincham and Hale.
It was very hilly and tough!
Rory recalls.
But there was a welcome reward waiting at the destination: lunch in the café next to Concorde at Manchester Airport, with Rory's mum and sister there to cheer the cyclists on.
A fantastic result for a local cause
The team raised an impressive £596 for Warrington Foodbank, plus a further £139 in Gift Aid, bringing the total contribution to £735.
Nicola Henshaw, Fundraising and Partnerships Lead at Warrington Foodbank, was delighted with their efforts.
What an achievement! That's a tremendous contribution to such an important local cause. The money you've raised will help make a real difference to people and families in Warrington who are struggling and need support.
For Rory, the challenge was about more than reaching Manchester Airport.
I felt happy with myself for cycling out of Warrington for the first time, and really proud that I raised money for the Foodbank because it's a local charity near me.
And he has some encouragement for anyone thinking about taking on a challenge of their own.
I would recommend people who love cycling to step out of their comfort zone and set a challenge for charity. Go for it!
