Tommy Godwin ride 2023
We are really pleased to launch our 2023 event as an Audax. The date is Sunday 27th August. Entries are now open, with details click here
In particular we are thrilled to continue supporting Cyclists Fighting Cancer.
This is a national charity based in Warwickshire which helps children and young people living with cancer across the UK regain their physical fitness, improve mental wellness and reduce social isolation by giving them new lightweight bikes, specially adapted trikes, cycling related equipment and support.
You can read more about this fabulous cause at:- cyclistsfc.org.uk
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Winter Virtuals 2022/23
For our winter challenges this year, we are really pleased to be fundraising for Cyclists Fighting Cancer. A great UK-wide charity based just south of Stratford-on-Avon who support children and young people with cancer by providing them with new lightweight bikes and specially adapted trikes to help in their rehabilitation. To find out more about the charity:- https://www.cyclistsfc.org.uk/
As we head towards the end of 2022 we have three, yes THREE different virtual challenges to get us through the winter and into the warmth of summer 2023. These challenges start on 10th November 2022 and will remain open until the end of October 2023.
Our theme for this year is "France". Lots of it - cycling, walking/running, or swimming. Details and joining information click here
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Update Monday 12th September 2022
It is with regret that our event on Sunday 18th September is cancelled.
The 2022 Tommy Godwin challenge is scheduled to be held the day before the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The new King, Charles III is the royal patron of Marie Curie and as a mark of respect the charity has requested a cessation of all fundraising activities during the period of national mourning. Additionally, we cannot have access to use the Solihull Hospice site as HQ during this period.
Sadly therefore, for circumstances outside of our control, the 2022 event is cancelled.
As per our terms and conditions we will be refunding entry fees (less any necessarily incurred finance handling charges) to all riders.
However, should you wish to donate your entry fees to Marie Curie then please inform us by close of play on Thursday 15th September by email to event@tommygodwinchallenge.org
The death of the Queen and the period of mourning is a difficult time for us all, and for many it brings back memories of our own personal grief.
The Tommy Godwin organising team thank all riders, volunteers and sponsors for supporting our fundraising during 2022.
If you need to talk, please call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 to talk about any aspect of dying, death and bereavement
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2022 virtual challenges
A range of virtual challenges to get us all through the winter months, launching on 10th November.
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2021 sportive
We hope that those of you that rode enjoyed the event.
You will find the official times on the Stuweb website and you can download the photos from Mike Adams Photography. These are free if you use the code TG.21. If you use the photos anywhere please acknowledge the photographer.
An event such as this cannot take place without a huge amount of hard work from our volunteers, whether putting up and taking downs the signs, manning registration, out on the course marshalling or baking cakes and serving the refreshments. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
This year we have been particularly lucky to have received enough sponsorship to cover all our costs and an additional significant donation direct to Marie Curie. All the bars, sausage rolls and fruit were also donated and the loos were paid for. So our thanks must go to Protex, PAS UK, Averta Law, Grenade Bars, Eric Lyons and Kiely Bros.
Thank you too, to all of you who put money in the buckets or donated money via Just Giving.
We are really, really pleased to announce the provisional fundraising figures.
The event on 19th September raised a fantastic £23,200 and our overall figure for the year (which includes the Virtual events) has reached £31,000.
Superb!
Many, many thanks to all who took part and/or donated, and to our brilliant sponsors who have made such a difference to the amount raised.
There is still some funding coming in to various JustGiving accounts, so the final figure will be known at the end of October
Virtual Challenge - starting 21st December 2020
The financial needs of Marie Curie West Midlands are still great and so we would like to continue fundraising during the winter months of the northern hemisphere.
Kicking off on the shortest day (21st December) we are launching a Virtual Lands End to John O'Groats challenge. All 912 miles of it.
You can cycle, run, walk or even swim. Outdoor miles or indoor miles - it doesn't matter. Please join the Challenge, have some fun, and help raise money for the hospice.
For further information and details on entry Click Here
100-for-100 Appeal
AMAZING.......the total raised was in excess of £30,000. Staggering. Thank you so much to all to participated, fundraised or helped.
Whilst our 2020 event has sadly been cancelled due to Covid-19, the financial requirements of Marie Curie still need to be met. We are asking anyone and everyone to help in our "100 For 100" appeal in order to raise funds for Marie Curie during this strange year.
Here is Tommy's grandson Rob telling us all about it (and riding Tommy's actual 1948 Olympic bike):-
John Kitchingman in his role of Chair of the West Midlands Development Board, explains his involvement and puts out a challenge to other individuals and businesses, encouraging them to help raise funds:-
For further information on how to help, and how to get involved, click here to got to 100-for-100
Here is Dr Sarah Wells, explaining just how important fundraising is at the moment:-
The 2022Tommy Godwin Challenge is on Sunday 18th September 2022
Event update 26th June 2020:-
Following an in-depth review of the viability and safety implications of running the event this year in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have taken the decision to cancel the event, and to re-arrange for September next year.
This has been a difficult decision to make, but we do not feel that it is safe to run a mass-participation event whilst corona virus remains prevalent. We have planned, watched and waited over the past few months in the hope of going ahead, but we cannot proceed unless we have confidence that we can do so safely for all the riders, volunteers, workers, and the HQ site itself at Marie Curie, Solihull. There are still too many unknowns, and we are at the point where we would have to commit to operational costs which would become stranded with a later cancellation.
All 2020 registered riders will be automatically transferred into the 2021 event at no additional charge. Options are available for a refund if requested, or for riders to donate their entry fees to the charity. Keep an eye open on social media and your email for details.
Click here for the full statement.
The 2019 Tommy Godwin Challenge raised a staggering £33,500 for the Marie Curie Hospice West Midlands. We want to make our next event the biggest and best ever.
With the 2020 event cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, put Sunday 19th September 2021 in your diary as we look to build on the successes of the past with the 7th running of this great event.
We have our usual 73km and 100km routes, plus the 30km Individual & Family rides. Additionally, for 2021 we are introducing a Classic Retro Ride.
2020 is a very special year for us...
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Tommy would have been 100 years old
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We should easily have raised in excess of £100,000 for the hospice since the inception of the event
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Plus - the last time the Olympic Games were held in Tokyo (1964), Tommy was Manager of the GB Cycling Team
The 1948 GB Olympic cycling team
Why do we fundraise for Marie Curie? Please watch the video (ensure you have sound turned on)
Richard Todd - Tommy Godwin Event Director
Call 07831 214274 or email richard.todd@wlsolutions.com
Every little helps - can you offer a helping hand?
Tommy Godwin is non profit making charity event run entirely by volunteers, so we are very keen to discuss possible support and funding opportunities with local businesses.
If you or your business can help, we'd love to hear from you - please get in touch with Richard for more information:
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