NEWCASTLE FALCON TOM MAY TAKES ON THE CHALLENGE OF A LIFETIME WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM GIANT!

Giant and independent Newcastle bicycle retailer Hopkirk’s Cycle Centre in Byker have come to the worthy rescue of Newcastle Falcons hero Tom May by loaning two of their carbon composite road bikes, the SCR Composite 3 in his charity cycle challenge.

After visiting some very poorly teenagers in a cancer ward last Christmas, Newcastle Rugby Falcon hero TOM MAY decided that it was time to give something back. The challenge needed to be something way out of his normal comfort zone and gradually over the following months the idea formed to cycle to 14 premiership rugby clubs - from Newcastle to the grand home of rugby - Twickenham - a total of 514 miles over eight days.

Tom May said "I couldn't believe how brave these young people with cancer were .... it made me realise how lucky I have been, particularly with my sporting career. There and then I decided I had to do something positive to help. This is an immense physical challenge for me and to be honest it is only just sinking in now. Everything raised will go needy children in the North East. I have already had an amazing kick start to the funds with two ultra-light Giant bikes supplied by Jill Heatherington from Hopkirk’s Cycle Centre in Byker, Newcastle. Ironically, Ant & Dec who kick started their incredible career in Byker Grove are patrons of my chosen charity Just for Kids, and I can't believe that they even took a break from filming Britain's Got Talent, to record a personal message of support!".

Jill Heatherington of Hopkirk’s Cycle Centre commented, “As soon as we heard about Tom’s extraordinary challenge we wanted to get involved, I think it’s absolutely fantastic that Tom is doing this for the North East. We have supplied two of Giant’s top of the range SCR Composite models to help make his journey that little bit easier”.

Although at the peak of his physical fitness, 29 year old Tom May is used to short intense bursts of physical activity in his current role as a winger for the Newcastle Falcons rugby team ... not intense and sustained physical activity that will take him to the extremes both mentally and physically, Tom continues "I can't believe how supportive everyone has been, especially my fellow team mates and sporting hero's in the region - I am hoping that some of them will join me throughout the 500 mile journey and I definitely need lots of moral support on the way”

Donations can be made directly to sponsor Tom's trip by logging on to to www.justgiving.com/tomsjustforkidsbikeride

Picture: Left to Right; Jill Heatherington (on Bike), Lynne & Marie (Cycle Centre’s Sales Team), Tom May and Guy Hilton (Sponsor)