Mike's on his Bike
After the disappointment of the Papa Johns Trophy final, it feels like that if we told you to go back to Wembley as soon as next week, you would answer: ‘On your bike’.
Mike Sibley is taking that literally.
Mike is undertaking a bike ride from Home Park to Wembley, setting off from the Theatre of Greens on Monday morning, and heading for the national stadium via several stops that have a personal connection to Mike’s life.
The challenge is in aid of Ajibu Community, a charity in Uganda dedicated to helping young children in rural to have access to education they may otherwise not have.
Mike is a trustee of the charity, and his 21-year-old son Liam is the international co-ordinator. Mike’s aim is to raise £5,000 for the charity, and he has already reached 70% of his target.
As a young man, Mike played for Crystal Palace Under-18s, and then played semi-professional football in London. He says he has always had an affinity with Chelsea, but on moving to Plymouth four years, has fallen in love with the city – and its football team.
He now attends Home Park on a regular basis, although he is reluctantly foregoing a chance to see Monday’s game against Lincoln City to embark on his impressive adventure.
“It’s such a beautiful city. I absolutely love it. I can’t say enough good things about it,” he said.
“Education is the most important gift we can provide for any child outside of love and when I got involved with the Ajibu Community in Uganda I realised I had to do something.
“Education is free from nursery until secondary, however, in areas like Luuka, there is a lack of nursery learning in early years (3-6) education. Growing up without an education prevents them reaching their full potential.
“There is such a high rate of young pregnancy in most rural areas, 95% of women are single parents. The only way we can change the cycle is for children to attend school at the age between 3-6 where they learn to read, write and speak English. If they miss out many will never attend school during their lifetime.
“It costs £181 a year for each child to attend school and this covers the education, daily nutritional meal, school uniform, learning resources and daily welfare. Every penny goes direct to our charity.
“I FaceTime the children every week. When you either meet the children or speak with them it becomes very infectious seeing those smiling faces. Materially they have very little but still this does not stop them; they just need some support and guidance.
“We all know education is the key ingredient to a successful and healthy life and everyone on the planet deserves this.”
Mike’s Route
Monday, 10 April - Home Park to Axminster
Tuesday, 11 April - Axminster to Sandbanks
Wednesday, 12 April - Sandbanks to Farnham
Thursday, 13 April - Farnham to Walton-on-Thames
Friday, 14 April - Walton-on-Thames to Paddington, then to Wembley
You can view Mike’s GoFundMe page by clicking here.
