
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse will be one of 60 visited
He is expected to be Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham, on Wednesday, August 20th.
Read more: And they're off! Famous faces in our Bangor on Dee look back
This is an epic solo, self-navigating effort that will take huge physical and mental strength and effort. Tom will be fundraising for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Diverse Abilities to help fund a hydrotherapy pool for The Beehive Activity and Therapy Centre in Poole.
Tom was inspired to raise money for The Beehive as his godmother's son, Ollie has Angelman's Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe physical and mental disabilities. Ollie has attended The Beehive for many years, where he is able to take part in activities he enjoys, access physiotherapy and receive the support he needs.
Read more: Racecourse a special place for generations of Reds fans
Alexandra Meyrick, Ollie's mum said: "The Beehive gives Ollie something truly precious: purpose. That's not easy to come by when you live with such complex needs. The centre provides more than just care - it offers dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging. We are eternally grateful to the team there. They are exceptional - it takes not just skill, but compassion, patience, and deep understanding to support someone like Ollie and all the others who use this invaluable service. What they offer makes such a difference.
"Tom has generously said he will equally divide the money he raises between the two causes. For The Beehive, the donations will contribute to their hydrotherapy pool fundraiser as water is Ollie's true love! Accessible and safe swimming pools are sadly scarce so this will be a great addition to their centre. Regular swimming will not only be beneficial to Ollie and the others but will bring huge amounts of joy."
Read more: Mountain of a challenge for Wrexham nurses in aid of Guide Dogs
Tom has a fundraising target of £60,000 which he aims to split between the two charities.
He added: "During my gap year I wanted to challenge myself and raise monies for two charities - the Injured Jockeys Fund and The Beehive - Diverse Abilities. Having travelled to New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa it is now time to give something back."
• Follow Tom's Journey at givewheel.com/fundraising/7283/toms-big-bike-ride or find out more about The Beehive at diverseabilities.org.uk/the-beehive-centre

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Leader Live
a day ago
- Leader Live
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse will be one of 60 visited
This summer, 19-year-old Tom Dunlop has taken on a the mission to cycle more than 2,600 miles around the UK, visiting all 60 racecourses, starting at Newton Abbot racecourse on Sunday, July 27 finishing at Newbury racecourse on Thursday, August 28. He is expected to be Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham, on Wednesday, August 20th. Read more: And they're off! Famous faces in our Bangor on Dee look back This is an epic solo, self-navigating effort that will take huge physical and mental strength and effort. Tom will be fundraising for the Injured Jockeys Fund and Diverse Abilities to help fund a hydrotherapy pool for The Beehive Activity and Therapy Centre in Poole. Tom was inspired to raise money for The Beehive as his godmother's son, Ollie has Angelman's Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe physical and mental disabilities. Ollie has attended The Beehive for many years, where he is able to take part in activities he enjoys, access physiotherapy and receive the support he needs. Read more: Racecourse a special place for generations of Reds fans Alexandra Meyrick, Ollie's mum said: "The Beehive gives Ollie something truly precious: purpose. That's not easy to come by when you live with such complex needs. The centre provides more than just care - it offers dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging. We are eternally grateful to the team there. They are exceptional - it takes not just skill, but compassion, patience, and deep understanding to support someone like Ollie and all the others who use this invaluable service. What they offer makes such a difference. "Tom has generously said he will equally divide the money he raises between the two causes. For The Beehive, the donations will contribute to their hydrotherapy pool fundraiser as water is Ollie's true love! Accessible and safe swimming pools are sadly scarce so this will be a great addition to their centre. Regular swimming will not only be beneficial to Ollie and the others but will bring huge amounts of joy." Read more: Mountain of a challenge for Wrexham nurses in aid of Guide Dogs Tom has a fundraising target of £60,000 which he aims to split between the two charities. He added: "During my gap year I wanted to challenge myself and raise monies for two charities - the Injured Jockeys Fund and The Beehive - Diverse Abilities. Having travelled to New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa it is now time to give something back." • Follow Tom's Journey at or find out more about The Beehive at


BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Pleguezuelo faces 'significant period' out injured
Plymouth Argyle centre-back Julio Pleguezuelo faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after having knee Spanish defender was hurt in Argyle's final pre-season fixture, against Bristol City late last month.'All's gone well, but it will be a significant period of time we'll be missing him for,' Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley Jack MacKenzie and Joe Edwards also struggling with injuries, Cleverley says he is close to bringing in a loan signing.'There's a very strong chance for this weekend,' he revealed.'When you think of a loan you might think of a young player - he's not.'He's a player in his mid 20s who's got experience and we're hoping that that deal comes off in the next 24 hours in time for him to be involved on Saturday.'


BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Pickleball cruises to tennis retreats: Why everyone's travelling to hit a ball
With tennis academies, pickleball resorts and Grand Slam getaways booming, racket sports are now at the centre of luxury and lifestyle travel. When Tanya Gonzalez wanted to escape Michigan's winter last year, she didn't book a beach holiday – she booked a tennis trip. Along with a group of girlfriends, she headed south to Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Florida, where they got structured court instruction all morning and had time to explore the city in the afternoon. "Having a tennis schedule balanced with time for relaxation and adventure makes the trip even more fulfilling," Gonzalez said. "We're already planning to return next year." She's one of a growing number of travellers building their holidays around racket sports, from padel in the Maldives to pickleball on a cruise ship and tennis retreats in New England. The racket sport boom has been fast and far-reaching, with squash's new Olympic status, padel tournaments featuring Tom Holland and record Grand Slam attendance reflecting a cultural shift. In the US, tennis participation has reached an acme at 23.8 million participants (one in 12 people). Now, the rise of sports-focused getaways – dubbed "sports tripping" – is accelerating. With sports tourism projected to be a $1.8tn industry by 2030, travellers are picking up their racquets and heading out.