Dads tackle tough trek for rugby trip

Stewart Robinson and Andrew Stott

THREE doting dads are taking on an epic challenge — cycling more than 130 miles to ensure their little lads can play rugby with the big boys.

Andrew Stott, Stewart Robinson and Russell Gosling, who all have sons playing for the Waterhead Rugby under 9s squad, will pedal from Oldham to Skegness on April 5 in a bid to raise enough money to send the local team to a tournament in partnership with professional team Leeds Rhinos.

Andrew said of the task: “The club doesn’t pay sponsorship for the lower level teams, which means we have to raise the money for things ourselves. So we take on the challenge.

“Leeds Rhinos organise a tournament at Butlins in Skegness for the young players, so we need to raise enough money to cover their accommodation and provide them with suits for when they have a celebrity presentation at the end of the weekend, which is held in May.

“All three of us dads have done a bit of leisurely cycling and a bit of running in the past, but nothing like this, so we’ve had to up our training.

“Weather permitting, it should take about 13 hours, so it’ll be quite tough.

“We’re going to get a lift back — we’ll probably be quite tired by then!

“The youngster all think it is fantastic that we’re doing this. There will be about 10 or 11 of them going and they’re so excited to go, so we’re determined to raise the money.”

To find out how you can sponsor them, email Andrew on adstott@talk21.com.