Big Bike Challenge 2022: Meet our Riders
13 cycling champions, gearing up for the challenge of a lifetime. 20 Premier League stadiums await them. All in the name of raising money for Saints Foundation, as we celebrate 20 years of transforming lives.
Meet the adventurers taking on our longest, toughest Big Bike Challenge yet!
Malcolm Baker
“Just a simple act of kindness goes a long way. It will be a personal challenge too – I was quite ill with COVID two years ago and I will be pushing my limits to cycle this monster ride! I will try to enjoy the week, and I’m excited to say I’ve visited every Premier League club in England!”
Ashley Parry
“I’m taking on the Big Bike Challenge to help and support all the great work the Saints Foundation do for the community. It’s the challenge of a lifetime for me and something to look back on in the future, knowing I made a difference to someone, somewhere.”
Matt Headland
Sponsored by Away Resorts
“Saints Foundation helped my daughter get a job when she took part in their employability course, Saints Works. I want to give back by taking on this epic challenge – plus, as a Saints fan, what better charity to raise money for!”
Vicky Cross
Sponsored by Barratt David Wilson Homes
“I have previously completed three Big Bike Challenges and I’m looking forward to pushing myself further than ever before to complete this ultimate challenge. I love how Saints Foundation supports such a diverse population, from young children to older people, right across Southampton."
Andy Knapton
“I’ve always wanted to visit all 20 Premier League stadiums in one season and to do it under my own steam is a challenge I couldn’t resist. What a great way to raise funds for the 20th year of Saints Foundation!”
Richard James
“I’m a big believer in the charitable aims of the Foundation, especially in the health benefits of young people playing sport. I’m a lifelong Saints fan, I saw my first game at the Dell in 1964!”
Steve Cargill
“This will be the 5th or 6th Big Bike Challenge I have taken on and I’ve raised more than £20,000 for Saints Foundation over the last 10 years. Seeing what this charity does compelled me to get involved, and this coupled with being overweight most of my adult life, I saw cycling as a way to get fitter.”
Phil Dunn
Sponsored by DP World Southampton
“I took up my first challenge 8 years ago not knowing anything about the Foundation, just wanting to improve my fitness. Since then, I’ve learnt more about everything that they do within our community. It has inspired me to get involved every year to raise awareness and much needed funds for the charity.”
Ben Gregson
Sponsored by DP World Southampton
"I am doing this epic challenge to push myself to the limit. I also love the work that Saints Foundation do for our local community, so raising money for them on this challenge will mean so much to me and everyone they support. I have done two previous rides from Manchester and Stoke, but this will be the toughest challenge of my 7 year cycling career!"
Jake Plummer
Sponsored by Williams Shipping
“I want to give back to the Foundation that have truly transformed my life from the depths of severe mental health problems to fulfilling my true potential. During my illness, getting out on my bike made me feel empowered again, and I want to showcase the power of Foundation and bike riding alike.”
Andy Shaw
Sponsored by Ocaris
“I’m taking on my 6th Foundation Big Bike Challenge as the work the Foundation does is vital for many that receive their help in Southampton and the neighbouring communities. Quite why I felt the need to volunteer for this epic challenge, still mystifies me.”
Simon Williams
“I’m a veteran of the Big Bike Challenge and I’m taking part in this one for fear of missing out! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hugely apprehensive about this year’s challenge, but I’m sure when we get going, it will be fine!”
Ben Stone
“I’m looking to challenge myself as this is my 50th year. It’s an added bonus that we’re all Saints fans – it’s going to be an epic adventure!”
The Big Bike Challenge 2022 will take place from Saturday 4 June to Sunday 12 June. Its official event partner is Wessex Regional Care.
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