Octogenarian Cycle Challenge
825. Norman Franklin
Norman Franklin, aged 89, from London, has raised £50,000 by cycling the length of the UK.
Norman’s 950-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats has proven to be an inspiration to his community and family, especially his great-grandchildren. His three sons joined him on segments of the cycling challenge, and together his family generously matched each sponsor pound-for-pound, bringing the total charitable donation to £100,000. This money has been donated across a number of deserving charities, with causes including support for vulnerable and disadvantaged women, helping people in prison to achieve their potential through learning, and an organisation training volunteers in one-to-one literacy support for disadvantaged primary school children.
In a personal letter to Norman, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“By cycling 950 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats you have inspired not only your family but also your local community. This achievement is even more impressive considering your family’s philanthropic pound-for- pound matching of the fundraising total. The £100,000 you have raised is going to provide vital support to each of the charities you have chosen to donate to.”
Above: Norman receiving his award from Tracey Crouch, Minister for Sport and Civil Society, at a volunteering fair held at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
