England boss Gareth Southgate is backing Leeds charity cycle team's World Cup goal

He's the man charged with ending more than 50 years of hurt for English football at the World Cup in Russia this summer.
Darren Clark, Mike Tomlinson and Martin Atkinson with Gareth Southgate at Harrogate's Rudding Park Spa.Darren Clark, Mike Tomlinson and Martin Atkinson with Gareth Southgate at Harrogate's Rudding Park Spa.
Darren Clark, Mike Tomlinson and Martin Atkinson with Gareth Southgate at Harrogate's Rudding Park Spa.

But busy as he is with preparations for the tournament, England manager Gareth Southgate still found time to give his backing to some familiar faces from Yorkshire as they prepare to embark on a sporting adventure of their own.

Mike Tomlinson, husband of the late Leeds cancer heroine Jane Tomlinson, is teaming up with Premier League referee Martin Atkinson to cycle nearly 1,800 miles from the UK to Russia over the course of just 18 days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Setting out from the St George’s Park National Football Centre in Staffordshire on June 11, they aim to arrive in Kaliningrad by June 28, when the city will be playing host to England’s World Cup match against Belgium.

Mike and Martin, who will be joined along the way by various guest cyclists, are hoping to raise £40,000 for four good causes – the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Yorkshire Young Achievers, St David’s Hospice Care in Newport and the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity.

Speaking after meeting up with Mike, Martin and fellow rider Darren Clark, Three Lions boss Gareth said: “This really is an epic endeavour – cycling 1,800 miles in 18 days is no mean feat and I wish the team all the luck in the world.

“There will no doubt be some very sore legs by the end of the challenge!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I hope as many people as possible will get behind them and help Martin, Mike and the team raise a huge sum for these very worthy charities.”

Looking ahead to the Whistlestop Tour 2018 challenge, Drighlington-based ref Martin said: “We’ve been saying it’ll be 18 days of hurt, but it’s all for some brilliant charities, so we’re ready to go through that pain barrier!”

To back the fundraising, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/WhistleStopTour2018 or text WHISTLE5 to 70500 to donate £5.