Helen gets in gear for fine causes - The Evesham Observer

Helen gets in gear for fine causes

Evesham Editorial 6th Apr, 2018   0

EVESHAM’S Helen Russell has saddled up for a gruelling ride from Swansea to West Bromwich as part of the Baggies Bike Challenge to raise funds for the Albion Foundation.

Helen, the current British quadrathlon champion, is riding as part of a team which includes former West Bromwich Albion players Brendon Batson and Bob Taylor.

The riders will cycle a 150-mile route from the Liberty Stadium in Swansea to arrive in West Bromwich in time for Saturday’s Premier League game between Swansea and the Baggies, when they will do a lap of honour at the Hawthorns at half-time.

The WBA Foundation uses the power of football and other sports to work in communities to help raise aspirations and create opportunities for those who are disadvantaged or face barriers in life.




The charity runs a number of programmes, including educational projects in schools to help those who are struggling to achieve, mentoring programmes for children in care or foster homes, memory cafes for fans with Alzheimer’s and sports events to increase the participation of girls and disabled children.

Although in its fourth year, Helen is the first woman to participate in the annual Baggies Bike Challenge.


“When I heard about the challenge and saw the former teams had just been made up of men, I knew I had to ride to show young female football fans that women are also capable of completing sporting challenges.

“I like the fact the foundation works to raise the aspirations of girls and get them involved in sport and that is another reason I wanted to raise money for the foundation.”

Former WBA centre forward Taylor is relishing the challenge and said: “It’s brilliant to help The Albion Foundation once more and allow them to continue making a difference in the local community.

“You want to give something back and the best way is to give back to the kids as they are the future and to give back to disabled adults to help them progress in life.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/helenrussell-baggiesbikechallenge to donate.

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