Three weeks of cycling, rowing and fundraising has finally come to an end for the seven Blackpool FC Community Trust students. Their efforts involved covering 550 miles on high resistance bikes and rowing machines to resemble the distance between the Blackpool Tower and Eiffel Tower. This was in aid of Donna’s Dream House Charity, a locally based trust who provide free holiday experiences for children and teenagers with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
The efforts of the BTEC students didn’t go unnoticed as many professional/ ex professional athletes such as Matthew Le Tissier, local legend Charlie Adam and professional boxer Brian Rose helped the lads raise as much money as possible by offering signed items and sharing Pool2Paris on social media to their thousands of followers. The items which were available included £250 worth year membership at Brian Rose’s Gym, Blackpool FC signed shirt and even Soccer AM guest tickets!
The sporting heroes went through various barriers on and off the machines when completing this fundraiser. Those barriers included organising an event professionally for the first time with no previous experience. This was done successfully at the Lancashire Derby between Blackpool FC and Bolton Wanderers FC, where the miles were completed and generous donations from supporters were made. They also fought through extreme tiredness and fatigue with people even blistering their skin due to their astounding efforts and commitment, showing great resilience and determination to get the miles completed.
The lads are proud of their efforts and appreciate everyone who got involved with their fundraiser, making such a huge difference to this locally based charity and help bring smiles to people’s faces!