Evesham athlete cycles from Fulham to West Brom for charity

Helen Russell joined a team of 29 cyclists who rode from Craven Cottage in West London to The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion.

In total, over £30,000 was raised for the Albion Foundation.

Ms Russell said: “Thanks to everyone who has supported me and the whole team in this challenge and donated to help the amazing work of The Albion Foundation.

“The money raised will go towards supporting initiatives that improve people’s lives - from helping with mental health, to providing food parcels and helping elderly supporters who suffer from loneliness and isolation.”

The 29-strong team of cyclists at Fulham FC's Craven Cottage in West London

The team cycled out of London, through Reading, the Chiltern Hills, Bicester and Banbury, before arriving in West Bromwich for the side’s game against Fulham.

Upon arrival the riders were welcomed to the East Stand at The Hawthorns, taking to the pitch at half-time for a lap of honour.

Joining the team was former Baggies player Chris Brunt and celebrity fundraiser ‘Blind Dave Heeley’.

Brunt, a former Northern Ireland international, was in high spirits during his interview at half-time.

He said: "I signed up for the challenge as the Albion Foundation is close to my heart and does excellent work. I enjoyed the challenge and everyone did incredibly well. Thanks for all the donations.”

The team arrive at The Hawthorns, having cycled 180 miles

Ms Russell was joined by her friend Sarah Robinson for the ride, together they raised just over £2,000, taking the team’s total to over £30,000.

The money raised will go to The Albion Foundation, which runs a range of community outreach initiatives including, school visits and extra-curriculum education, food bank and parcel deliveries, working with children in care, Alzheimer memories cafes, disability sports competitions and female sports development programmes.