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John, sat one quiet evening during the close season and thought how can we help Acorns Children's Hospice.

We had done a 25 mile walk and a 25 mile bike ride for The BHF, can we go one better.

I know let's cycle to a club, but which club. It had to be one where we had all had a great time and Newcastle came top of the list. Ah but we play them on 6th Jan.

Can I find 5 other Silly Old Fools? The rest is history so off we go.

Can we raise £10,000?

I am one of the coaches for the under 16 boys at Worcester Rugby Club. We have a fantastic bunch of lads who make me proud every time they step onto the pitch.

I was one of the silly old fools that John recruited to do the ride to Newcastle, I must have had a rush of blood to the head.

As a granddad you realise more how precious our little ones are, so acorns to me is a fantastic charity that we all should support.

With your help we can do something special

John Phillips

Martin Johnson

Having been a school governor for 20 years at a school for children with special needs.

Seeing how grateful the parents are to have a place their children can spend time at, giving the parents, who dearly love their children, some respite from the constant care their children need is a worthwhile cause.

Just a weekend break for both children and parents means a lot. £10,000 raised provides10 children and 10 parents with a weekend of quality time.

What can you do to help?

I am a 55 year old fake granddad (I qualify by age only!). I have done a number of charity distance walks over the years but this is the first ride on a bike since I was 15!!!!

It is a super cause and all the pain of training will be worthwhile when completed.

Please do give generously.

Frank Lloyd

Steve Gotting

I came with my fiancee Laura to Worcester Warriors after a 5 year spell at London Wasps. Over the past year or so, Laura and I have been welcomed in by not only the rugby club and the other players but by the supporters as well. After being given the Acorns T-shirts to warm up in before we play, I was intrigued as to what the charity was about. After doing some research into Acorns online, I was not only humbled by the work that people are doing for the charity, but also felt compelled to try and bring some joy to the children in the centre myself. When I found out about the bike ride to Newcastle I thought it would be fun to at least do one of the legs to try and raise some more money. Unfortunately due to a long term knee injury and some hefty surgery, I wont be in a position to complete any of the cycling. However, I am in full support of the cyclists and will make sure I am at the start and hopefully the finish to celebrate with everyone after we have raised the £10,000!!! Good Luck Guys!!!

I am a ‘granddad in waiting’ and have enjoyed cycling for many years in the Midlands and the West Country. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy our beautiful countryside. I combine my love of cycling and running with raising money for various children’s charities; children with terminal illnesses or children less fortunate than my own, by taking part in the London Marathon and half -marathons

My wife, Maria, also has Acorns Children’s Hospice close to her heart and works with children with special needs.

I am looking forward to the challenge on 1^st January 2008, when our epic cycle ride will take us from Worcester Warriors Rugby Football Club to Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, hopefully arriving on Sunday 6^th January. May my padded shorts be up to it!

Ben Gotting

Graham Beech