Ian Nicholson
2:03pm, Wed 30th Dec 2015
As Christmas is over what better time to go on a health kick – and help raise thousands to boost the budget for the Cards campaign.
The Bike-athon is the brainchild of BBC Sussex and BBC Surrey’s Gary Smith who has been commentating regularly on the Cards both home and away for a couple of seasons. He was struck by our immense misfortune in losing 2 key players, Scott Rendell and Ismail Yakubu, in the early games but also very impressed by the fans commitment and generosity through the Crowdfunder and bucket collections which raised £15,000 to cover medical fees.
The plan is that Gary, and others, will start from the Amex arena in Brighton early on Saturday February 13th and cycle the 50 miles to the Laithwaite Community Stadium for 1 pm – in time to commentate on the match v Guiseley. He is looking for Woking fans to join him for the full distance or for sections. (Lycra is optional!) There will be a final connection point in Guildford and it is hoped a large group, ideally in Woking colours, will cycle the final section to the ground. BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex are getting fully behind Gary’s initiative and the route is designed to run through the radio station’s area.
Gary loves the opportunity to combine his commentating with a love of football. Over the years however he has also grown to have a real affinity with the Cards. ‘Everyone at the club has been so friendly and welcoming. Garry Hill and the players always make themselves available without complaint and John Moore is really enjoyable to work with. I suppose this is a practical way of putting something back into the club and also highlighting the connection with BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex. ‘
So if you would like to be part of the bike – athon, whether for 50 or 5 miles, simply email iannicholson@matrixtrust.com and we will register your interest. It is hoped that riders will be sponsored and all the proceeds will go to boost the club’s playing budget. We will announce names of participants as we get them.
In the New Year promotion of the event will begin in earnest and we will be in touch.
If you would like to sponsor Gary please visit his JustGiving page -
https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/gary-smith-1
Gary Smith (right) pictured with co-commentator
and Woking press officer John Moore
