Damon Hill Leads Cyclists Home for Halow Project Charity

Published on: 7 May, 2014
Updated on: 8 May, 2014

By Dani Maimone

More than 80 cyclists led by Damon Hill OBE, former F1 world motor racing champion and patron of the halow project, made it safely back to Guildford at the Weyside Inn at the weekend after a 250 mile round trip from Putney via France.

Organised by event company 2Boats, the team raised more than £76,000 for the Guildford-based charity that supports young people with a learning disability. The journey took three days and a gruelling headwind on a steady incline en-route tested even the most experienced cyclists.

Low res 1 Yvonne Hignell Director of the halow project charity & patron Damon Hill OBE_1

Yvonne Hignell, director of halow, with Damon Hill OBE.

Damon Hill said: ”We have been truly overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and commitment we’ve had from riders and supporters. Huge thanks to all those who took part in the ride and everyone who helped make it such a success.”

halow project director Yvonne Hignall added: “I am delighted to see this event has gone from strength to strength. Thanks to our generous sponsors, every penny raised will go straight towards our services for young people.

“This amount of money will make a significant difference to the lives of young people with a learning disability. It is not too late to make a donation, if anyone can help, please visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/damonhill – being a small charity with no state funding – every little truly does help.”

Ron Gibson, the oldest cyclist to take part at the age of 69, had a tear in his eye as he pulled up at the Weyside Inn on Shalford Road. He was overwhelmed with the reception that greeted him and his fellow cyclists. “It’s the first time I have taken part in an event like this,” he said, “and it won’t be the last I plan to do it again for my 70th birthday next year.” Ron is an avid supporter of the charity and has been involved with them from the start.

Ron Gibson the oldest cyclist to take part_1

Ron Gibson get’s given a bottle of champagne for his achievement.

Nick Ivil, a halow young person, cycled the last leg of the journey from Portsmouth with his buddy partner Jason Frommholz. Nick enjoyed it so much he said he would like to take part next year and cycle the full 250 miles. He is a true inspiration.

Left: James Frommholz a halow buddy with Nick Ivil, a halow young person.

James Frommholz a halow buddy (front) with Nick Ivil, a halow young person.

The halow charity was founded by five families, all of whom has a young person with a learning disability. The name halow is derived from those young people’s names, Harrriet, Amber, Laura, Oliver and William. Their parents, all friends, were concerned about what the future might hold for their children and others like them. They formed the charity in 2006 and are working successfully with other organisations across Surrey.

If you would like to find out more about the halow project charity or refer a young person, you can find out more on their website at www.halowproject.co.uk or call 01483 447960.

Click here to listen to Dani Maimone’s interview with Damon Hill before the ride broadcast on Brooklands Radio.

An interview with him afterwards will be added soon.