Harry’s epic cycling challenge
A Shropshire cricketer is aiming to be on the fast track to success with an epic bike ride to raise money for charity.
Harry Chandler, 25, who plays for Wem in the MSG Shropshire Premier League, plans to cycle more than 1,000 kilometres from Crewe to Le Mans in France in just seven days in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) starting on June 6.
Wicket-keeper/batter Harry, who has also played representative cricket for Shropshire through the Age Groups and at senior level, is a big fan of the annual Le Mans 24-hour car race.
He said: “This year marks my 15th time attending the race, and it also marks the 100th anniversary of the first victory for Bentley at the Le Mans 24 Hours, a company I can now say I proudly work for.
“So, to celebrate both marks and as a tribute to that victory, I would like to take on my own feat of endurance, cycling from the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe all the way to Le Mans, the birthplace of endurance racing.
“Cardiac Risk in the Young is a charity that I believe does incredibly important work, providing ECG heart screenings to young people.
“Every week in the UK at Least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die of undiagnosed cardiac conditions.
“In 2012, Matthew Dewhurst, a talented young person with an incredibly bright future, became one of these people. He was just 17. He was my elder brother’s best mate on the rugby pitch, and his extremely sad passing has had an impact on our whole family since.
“Then, in 2021 Josh Downie, an extremely talented cricketer who I was fortunate enough to share the pitch with and watch his utterly brilliant batting, passed away in scarily similar fashion.
“They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but after learning the fate of Josh, it certainly felt like it had.”
Harry plans to donate the money raised by this ride will to the Aaron Dixon Memorial fund.
This will allow for two heart screening days to be held in North Shropshire, in early 2025 – including one at Wem Cricket Club.
Harry added: “These screening days will either give young people peace of mind that they have no underlying issues, or will allow a young person with underlying issues the knowledge and access to resources they require to continue to live a long and fulfilling life!
“By supporting CRY you will help save young lives from any potentially fatal cardiac conditions.”
See how your support can help by visiting www.c-r-y.org.uk.
You can sponsor Harry by visiting his Just Giving page HERE.
