A group of 150 charity cyclists returned to the UK from northern India on Sunday after raising an incredible £600,000 on Norwood’s Rajasthan Bike Ride. During the 10 day challenge, they covered a distance of 500km and experienced the wonders of the world-famous Taj Mahal, the delights of the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur plus stunning desert landscape, vibrant cities and centuries-old rural life.
The Norwood riders were given an enthusiastic welcome wherever they went and were even honoured with a visit by His Highness Brigadier Sawai Bhawani Singh, The Maharaja of Jaipur, who joined them for Shabbat dinner. The ride also captured the imagination of the local press, which featured it as a front page story.
Norwood pioneered the concept of charity bike rides in the early 1990s and a trip to Israel last month raised more than £60,000. For Ian Tate, Norwood’s Head of Challenges, the Rajasthan Bike Ride proved to be a personal milestone as it was the tenth international ride he has completed. On each occasion, he has ridden tandem with people who have benefitted from the services Norwood provides, a group of whom participate in every challenge the Charity organises.
“The Rajasthan ride proved to be a significant challenge for everyone involved,” he said. “Very basic food and accommodation, combined with high temperatures, tricky terrain and long days in the saddle, made the ride one of the most difficult we have ever done. But it was also an exhilarating, fascinating and humbling experience, and significant funds have been raised for Norwood. For all their efforts, I am truly thankful to all of our riders.”
Among the group was Vivian Wineman, the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, who is a regular participant in Norwood’s international challenges. Mr Wineman said: “It was a privilege to take part in Norwood’s Rajasthan Bike Ride. Norwood represents the best side of the community – caring, inclusive and fun loving. It also was a timely reminder for Mitzvah Day next week, when all members of the community are encouraged to make a difference to someone else’s life in whatever way they choose.”
Another participant was Michael Rosen, who lived in a Norwood home with his brother Tony from 1964 to 1969. Michael, 58, a chartered accountant from Loughton in Essex, rode alongside his 22-year-old daughter Sarah. Between them, the pair raised an amazing £14,000 – some £10,000 of which was donated by fellow Norwood old boy Stephen Brook.
“Although I found it exhausting at times, it was an incredible and very emotional experience,” he said. “In particular, I was full of admiration for the adults with learning disabilities who rode tandem. I have much to thank Norwood for, and I dedicated the ride to the memory of the support and care I received at a critical time in my life, particularly from the late Norwood principal Jack Wagman, and his wife Aileen.”
If you are interested in taking part in a forthcoming Norwood Challenge, visit www.norwood.org.uk/challenges, call 020 8420 6834 or e-mail challenges@norwood.org.uk
