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| Hopley gets on his bike to raise funds for injured players |
| 2 July 2008, 12:21 pm |
| By Sean Bridger |
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| PRA CEO, Damian Hopley, to tackle the Pyrenees in aid of the PRA Benevolent Fund and Bliss, the Baby's charity. |
In September, former Wasps and England player Damian Hopley will be taking on the Pyrenees in the 933km cycle challenge alongside former club team-mate Lawrence Dallagio as they spend 8 days in the saddle cycling the mountain tops of France. The challenge will take them from Biarritz to Banyuls alongside a team of novice but determined cyclists whilst battling ascents totalling 20,000 meters.
Hopley is taking part in this epic journey in order to raise funds for two causes, the Professional Rugby Players Association (PRA) Benevolent Fund and Bliss.
On speaking of his reasons for choosing his charities he commented, “The PRA Benevolent Fund is very close to my heart having set up the charity in 2002 in order to provide support to players who have been forced to retire due to serious injury or illness.”
Hopley, who himself suffered from a career ending knee injury whilst captaining the England 7’s team in Hong Kong in 1996, said “After 12 years of professional rugby, the game has become increasingly physical and we are seeing a steady rise in the number of current and former players, and their families, who need our help, which makes this such a compelling personal cause .”
His other nominated charity, Bliss, provides vital support and care to premature and sick babies in the UK.
Founded nearly 30 years ago, Bliss offers much needed guidance and essential information at a critical time in families' lives.
Training is already underway and Hopley added; “I'm absolutely terrified of what lies ahead, but am looking forward to the challenge, and hope that people will get behind me by supporting these two outstanding charities.”
To donate please go to www.justgiving.com/dhopley |
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