Wycombe Wanderers fan completes charity cycle challenge

3:07pm Saturday 19th January 2008

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A FOOTBALL fan has completed a gruelling challenge of cycling 161 miles to Rotherham in aid of charity today.

Adam Hayward, of Kelvin Close, Downley, suffered conjunctivitis and had to take a detour on his journey after a battle with the elements to arrive on time for Wycombe Wanderers match in South Yorkshire this afternoon.

The 19-year-old season ticket holder completed the ride to raise money for the High Wycombe charity Rob's ARTTT, which was set up in memory of Holmer Green Senior School pupil Rob Holland who died in September of a rare cancer that only affects teenage males.

Adam left Wycombe Wanderers' Adams Park stadium in Sands on Wednesday cycling from around 7.30am until 4.30pm every day. Last night he arrived at his hotel 15 miles from Rotherham and reached the stadium this morning.

He said: "I got to know Rob's dad from past events that have gone on and read up about the charity on its website. It's not just about raising money but sharing the charity with other people. It's such a rare form of cancer there's no reasearch in the UK for it. I planned to get as much money as I can to get towards their goal.

"I was going to cycle along canal routes but I had to reroute because they were all flooded and the wind has been picking up the last day or so. I had to take painkillers along the way. I was told to keep my eye covered but it was a bit difficult riding on my bike all day."

Adam, who works as a chef at the Chiltern Hospital, has managed to raise nearly £2,000 in sponsorship and has arranged a Mexican theme day in the restaurant with all profits going towards his sponsorship.

He was due to be presented with a signed football at half time for his efforts before returning to Bucks in time for work on Monday.

He added: "My dad followed me up in his car all the way. I'll probably be having a nice little sleep on the way home. Hopefully Wycombe will win to make the journey a little shorter."