In 2015 four young men approached the Club for support with a TransAmerican cycle ride to raise funds for the JOEL’S WISH Charity. Joel was a school friend who died of cancer when aged 19 and the Charity was set up to raise awareness of cancer in young people and to provide support in various ways.
With the guidance and help of Rotarians John Howick and Stewart Officer they succeeded in this venture, with Kyle Williams cycling 4,000 miles while the rest of the team provided backup, transport, food preparation, organised accommodation and liaised with Rotary clubs along the way, kept the bike in running order and provided moral support and encouragement to Kyle. This co-operation led to the four becoming associate members of the club. Kyle is now in Hong Kong and Richard in Japan where they continue to keep in touch with John and Stewart who have helped them obtain visa applications and advice. Kyle is about to begin talking to Hong Kong Rotary clubs. A video and an e-book about the charity ride in support of Joel’s Wish are available. This and the frequent media coverage of the ride has raised the profile of Rotary enormously.
For more information see:
- Press Release issued to SHROPSHIRE STAR
- Promotional video JOEL’S WISH USA
- Website www.joelswish.org
- Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JoelsWishUSA
- JustGiving page:https://www.justgiving.com/Joels-Wish-USA
Kyle has also given an interview on BBC HEREFORD AND WORCESTER
