Local Charities Back Quest 14 Challenge

Leeds Rugby Foundation’s three nominated charities for the eagerly awaited Quest 14 have thrown their weight behind the cycling challenge.

Funds raised through the France to England cycle will be split between Laure Crane Youth Cancer Trust, Joining Jack and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

2013 saw the launch of 'Quest 13', the first in a series of challenges to be completed by a team of staff from Leeds Rugby Foundation (LRF), led by Leeds Rhinos legend and LRF's Keith Senior. This year a five strong team, led by Senior, will take on 'Quest 14' a gruelling 8-day challenge which will see them cycling from Perpignan in the South of France, all the way through to Leeds starting on 22nd June, 2014.

To link into the Tour de France launch, the team will cycle the Leeds – Harrogate route on the final day of the challenge, covering 134 miles and finishing at the world famous Headingley Carnegie Stadium in time to deliver the match ball prior to Leeds Rhinos vs Catalan Dragons Super League Encounter on Sunday 29th June (meaning a 4am departure!).

The challenge, which follows Senior's 4 marathons in the 4 weeks of April, will take in over 1,000 miles and the team will have 8 days to complete it!

Show your support by donating here: https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/leedsrugbyfoundation

Remember fans who donate £14 or more will be automatically entered into a draw to win a Keith Senior signed Quest 14 jersey.

Alternatively you can Text QUES14 and their amount £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10 to 70070.

Helen Mervill from the Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, whose Ambassador is Keith Senior, commented on how proud they are to be associated with the challenge:
 
“As a relatively small youth cancer charity, to be selected by the Leeds Rugby Foundation and supported through a high profile challenge such as Quest14 is remarkable. The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust supports the youth cancer units at both Leeds General Infirmary and St James’ hospitals, so it’s fantastic that the charity and young cancer patients throughout Leeds are being supported by such an esteemed Leeds institution. We are indebted to the foundation, our Ambassador Keith Senior* and to the Quest14 cyclists for joining the fight against cancer in young people. ”

Joining Jack is a charity in the name of a young boy called Jack who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Jack’s father Andy Johnson played close to a hundred first team games for Wigan Warriors and they are delighted to support Quest 14.

“Everyone at Joining Jack is thrilled that Leeds Rugby Foundation are all working so hard to raise funds for us, it’s people like you that will help us make a difference in our fight to find a treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The ride sounds like it will be hard work, so we really hope people dig deep with their sponsorship for you!”

Sue Ryder Wheatfield’s Hospice commented: “We are delighted that Keith has chosen Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice as one of the partners for the Quest 14 Challenge. The team have set themselves a though challenge of cycling 1000 miles and we will look forward to hearing all about this exciting journey, especially as they cycle part of the Tour de France route ahead of the Grand Depart. We really appreciate the teams support for Wheatfields Hospice and all the funds raised will go towards supporting people with life-limiting illnesses. Last year the nurses and support staff at Wheatfields Hospice cared for over 2,500 people in the Leeds community."
 
As well as giving something back to other charities, Leeds Rugby Foundation will benefit greatly from these funds as they continue to 'Change lives through Sport' .