Dexter takes on 230-mile bike ride to Paris
An inspiring challenge from our member at Bulmershe Leisure Centre
12-year-old Dexter Rosier is gearing up for his 230-mile cycle challenge to Paris for the opening of the Paralympic games to raise £10,000 for charities close to his heart.
Setting off from his hometown of Woodley on 25 August, Dexter will be riding for three days, covering 65 miles on day one, 85 miles and day two and 74 miles on day three, joined by his mum Sam Rosier, as they cycle their way to the opening of the Paralympics on 28 August.
Dexter Rosier’s 230-mile ride is a fundraising adventure of a lifetime, to support Sport in Mind, Fanconi Hope, and Wheelpower.
To train for the mammoth challenge, Dexter began training earlier this year with the support of Bulmershe Leisure Centre who offered him a free strength and cycling programme and use of the gym to help his fundraising efforts.
Dave Covey, Group Workout Instructor at Bulmershe Leisure Centre, and his partner Emma – also a Places Leisure employee – are taking on the ride with Dexter and Sam.
Dexter said: “This challenge is really important to me for a number of reasons. I know it will be tough, but I’m ready and can’t wait to take it on.
“Firstly, I have worked really hard to train for this with the help of Dave and others at Places Leisure and I hope I can display the resilience and dedication that can help inspire others to chase their dreams.
“The charities are also very close to my heart and I want to raise as much money as possible to support them and the amazing work they do. Sport in Mind in particular have a been a big help to me, getting me active when my own mental health had declined. Fanconi Hope do great work to support children with Fanconi Aneamia – a life-limiting disorder - and they supported the son of my form tutor, so I wanted to help. My third charity, Wheelpower, helps disabled children get into sport and I can’t think of a more fitting cause to cycle to the Paralympics for and show that sport is for everyone.
“I’m so grateful for everyone’s support so far and anything you can give to support my three charities would be hugely appreciated.”
Dave said: “To meet Dexter and help him train for such an incredible challenge has already been an amazing journey and I have no doubts that mum and boy will get the job done.
“This was all Dexter's idea and the minute we heard about it, we wanted to help all we could. To use sport and exercise to do something so amazing and to support three remarkable causes, fully embodies everything that Places Leisure is here for and we couldn’t be prouder of Dexter."
“He is an inspiration and I hope others see what he is doing and are driven to take on their own challenges and smash their own goals. It’s been a privilege for Dexter and his family to allow me into their lives and secondly to help this wonderful young human being to achieve one of his amazing goals, because this will be achieved.”
As well as donating to his three charities, you can also pledge to walk, run, cycle or choose your own activity to move 10km each to support and collectively move alongside Dexter as he makes his way to Paris.
Just visit Dexter's Pedal to Paris fundraising cycle ride | Total Active Hub to learn more, to donate and to follow Dexter on his route.