Velo ride saw Bromsgrove Sporting boss double his fund-raising goal for MIND - The Bromsgrove Standard

Velo ride saw Bromsgrove Sporting boss double his fund-raising goal for MIND

Bromsgrove Editorial 28th Sep, 2017 Updated: 28th Sep, 2017   0

BROMSGROVE Sporting manager Paul Smith managed to raise more than £2,000 for a metal health charity by completing the 100-mile Velo Birmingham bike ride at the weekend.

However, the 40-year-old was almost forced to pull out of Sunday’s event after striking a pot hole whilst coming down a hill after 42 miles.

The front wheel of his bike buckled but instead of giving up, the 40-year-old walked to the next pit stop, some two-and-a-half miles away.

It then took the support team two hours to fix the wheel before the Barnt Green Chaingang member could continue on his way.




“It was brilliant and not so brilliant to be honest,” said Paul.

“I was going very well time-wise before I was stuck for about two-and-a-quarter hours waiting for my wheel to be fixed.


“But I managed to get myself sorted and complete the second half of the race well considering I had no practice beforehand.”

Despite the troubles, the self-employed floorer raised more than £2,000 for Birmingham MIND, smashing his target of £1,000.

And having only decided to undertake the challenge last week, Paul was over the moon with the support he had received from friends, family and fans of Bromsgrove Sporting.

A bucket collection at the club’s league game on Saturday raised more than £270.

“I cannot say thank you enough to all those who sponsored me,” he said.

“Birmingham MIND are not the biggest of charities but hopefully this money will be a huge shot in the arm for them.

“It will allow them to grow and continue the brilliant work they do.”

Paul also added completing Sunday’s event reignited his love for cycling and had signed up for next year’s bike ride.

Anyone who still wants to sponsor Paul can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-smith-bromsgrove

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