A CYCLIST will be riding from London to Parish in five days to raise money for a children’s charity in memory of his late father.

Andrew Winders, of Peppard Common near Henley, is cycling 275 miles to raise money for Wooden Spoon, a children’s rugby charity that funds “life-changing projects for children and young people with disabilities or disadvantages”.

He is taking on the challenge in memory of his father, John, who passed in May. He was the chairman of Eastern Counties Rugby Union and did a lot of work for the Fleet-based charity.

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Mr Winders, who lives with his wife Annabel and their three children, wanted to support Wooden Spoon “in recognition of all the work” his father did.

The 48-year-old, who is setting off tomorrow (September 14) and is due to finish on Sunday (September 18) said: “My dad has been involved in rugby his whole life and as chairman he had lots of responsibilities we didn’t know about.

“He played down his contributions and never blew his own trumpet. He was well known and respected and did a lot for Wooden Spoon and all of this went under the radar.

“So I thought I would do something for the charity, to support them in recognition for all the work my dad did for them.

“I hadn’t had contact with them beforehand but it is clear after researching them that it is a very worthwhile organisation and one my dad had put a lot of effort into.”   

The senior manager has been cycling in his free time to try and train for the mammoth journey this week.

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However, he is still nervous for the feat which he will complete in four sections: London to Calais, Calais to Arras, Arras to Compiegne, and Compiegne to Paris.

“I’m surprised that I’m nervous,” he said. “I think it’s because I’ve never done this distance before and I don’t know how it’s going to be and I have decided to do it alone.

“I’ve been trying to build up the miles over the weeks but it’s difficult as my job requires me to travel.

“I’ve tried to get my eldest to come out with me but he said no because it would be boring as I take it too seriously.”

My Winders has already smashed his fundraising goal of £2,000 reaching a total of £2,962. His company will also be matching any money raised.

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“It’s really great,” said Mr Winders. “My originally goal was £1,600 but I’ve almost doubled that - I am really pleased.”

To donate, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrew-Winders

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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