SWANWICK: Ryan’s brave bid to repay charity help

A Swanwick man will tackle the first stage of the Tour de France to raise money for the charity that helped his wife overcome seven miscarriages to successfully start a family.

Ryan Bowden, 33, will be one of a number of keen amateur riders to pedal the 118-mile long-stage the day before the start of the professional race, which this year starts in Yorkshire.

He has already collected £600 in sponsorship and hopes to top £1,000 before he sets off in July.

Ryan’s wife Kate, 32, suffers from Hughes Syndrome, a blood clotting disorder that caused severe problems during previous pregnancies before she gave birth to Evie, 4, and Erin, 10 months.

After receiving vital support from the foundation set up to help those affected, the systems analyst by day has been given all the motivation he needs to train hard through the winter.

“I’m so proud of what Ryan’s doing and it’s obviously a charity that is close to our hearts after what has happened,” said Kate.

“This is his way of thanking the Hughes Syndrome Foundation and the way they helped us get through it.

“I suppose he’s a bit mental when it comes to cycling and he’s decided to go for three events, not just one, but they will all help him prepare for ‘the big one!’

“It is a big sacrifice when he has a young family because of all the training, but we know why he is doing it and are fully behind him.”

Ryan’s two preparation rides come in the shape of the 100-mile Kilo to go Cheshire Cat in March and the 110-mile Kilo to go Tour of the Peak in May.

He has recently joined Belper Cycling Club, but has put in much of the work in the saddle on his own.

Kate added: “This is the biggest challenge Ryan has ever done, but I know he’s very determined.

To sponsor Ryan visit www.justgiving.com/Ryan-Bowden