AN ‘EXCITED but nervous’ cycling enthusiast is gearing up to ride over 780 miles from his Rugby workplace to Leipzig in Germany to support two charities close to his heart.
Richard Kelly is taking on the challenge next month to raise money for suicide prevention charity Papyrus in memory of his teenage son’s friend who died by suicide earlier this year.
He is also raising funds for Overgate Hospice in Yorkshire, which looked after his friend who died of a brain tumour.
Richard will set off on his six-day adventure from the Rugby HQ of Deponti, where he works as an account manager, and ride through the UK, France, Belgium and The Netherlands before ending his journey at the company’s showroom in Artern, Germany.
Richard said: “I’m excited but also a little nervous about the journey ahead – but knowing that every mile I pedal will contribute to Papyrus and Overgate Hospice makes it all worthwhile.”
He said he was taking on ‘Le Tour Deponti’ not just as a test of endurance, but also as a mission to make a difference to the lives of those in need.
He said: “I’m cycling to support Papyrus as a friend of my 15-year-old son died by suicide in January. He was a good friend to my son as they walked to school most days. He is sadly missed by everyone.
“Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK. Donations raised from my ride will go directly towards their suicide prevention helpline.”
Richard is also cycling in memory of his good friend Joe Kitcher.
He said: “I met Joe when I was 17. No one would ever forget Joe if they met him. He taught me all about sales, and we played Sunday league football together for several years.
“Sadly, Joe died of a brain tumour in 2018. He was only 58.
“His palliative care was given by Overgate Hospice. They are currently in need of extending their facilities and need as many donations as possible to support their ‘Big Build Project’.”
Richard sets off on ‘Le Tour Deponti’ on June 14.
Visit www.justgiving.com/page/richard-kelly-2 to donate to his Papyrus fund-raiser, or www.justgiving.com/page/letourdeponti to contribute to his Overgate Hospice campaign.
