120,000 miles for extraordinary club legend
Members and friends of Beckenham RFC have raised more than £120,000 for a children’s charity in memory of former Chairman Paul Skelly.
Skelly, who died in 2016, used to cycle 400 miles every January to raise money for O2e, a charity that helps support terminally ill children and their families.
For four years, his friends and family continued his legacy, but 2021 brought a recruitment drive of 275 people wanting to take on the challenge, including over 100 Beckenham members and eight former first team captains.
“Skells was an absolute legend of Beckenham RFC, Beckenham Rugby Cyclists and O2e,” said organiser Paul Slattery. “The support, passion and drive to continue his legacy and everything he stood for has been nothing short of remarkable. Seeing people of all ages, shapes and sizes getting out of their comfort zones has been truly inspirational and the team dynamic and camaraderie is testament to the big man. Skells is very much still with us.”
All clocked miles were cycled in accordance with government guidelines with some opting to use static bikes and turbo boosters indoors, while others chose to run, including Beckenham’s current first team captain, Andrew Knowles.
“Skells loved this challenge,” said chief recruiter Pat Markey. “And 2020 was such a tough year for everyone, so we thought why not encourage people to start 2021 by raising money for a great cause, while enhancing mental and physical wellbeing.”
With charities struggling during the pandemic and so many fund raising events cancelled, the O2e community volunteers, who enjoy furthering themselves through exercise and adventure, continue to improve their own lives and those of children who are in need of help due to disability or illness.
From the O to the e means you’ve gone from ordinary to extraordinary. Paul Skelly clearly remains an extraordinary inspiration.
