Starting in his hometown of Newcastle and ending at the International Garden Centre Association Congress in Italy, his Tyne to Rhine trip will be an unsupported solo ride. The route mainly follows the EuroVelo 15 –The Rhine Cycle Route is one of the most modern cycle paths in the world and combines Europe's diversity of landscapes. Over 900 miles (1,440 km) it’ will take him through seven countries from the shipyards on th Tyne to the source of the Rhine in the Alpine village of Andermatt in Switzerland. From there, he’ll head on over the Alps into Italy, ending at Lake Maggiore eight days later.
One bike, 900 miles, one daft Geordie and two amazing charities. True Colours Theatre (Registered Charity Number: 1192136) is an inclusive theatre school for children and young people living in north east England. Many of their members have additional needs such as autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders and physical and life limiting conditions and various mental health issues. True Colours Theatre provides a caring, warm and welcoming environment, a place of acceptance and inclusion where members can grow in confidence without fear of judgement or stigma. Greenfingers (Registered Charity number: 1076640) aims to provide all life-limited children, their families, and carers, within their hospice, emotional support through the power and pleasure of nature.
Cowell said: “For my 40th year, I celebrated by cycling from John O’Groats to Lands’ End and completing my Geordie JOGLE fundraiser. Ten years later, it seemed fitting to create a new fundraising challenge and so the Tyne to Rhine was conceived. My daughter currently accesses classes available through True Colours Theatre, so it is very close to my heart. Greenfingers Charity is another wonderful charity. I'm aiming to raise £10,000.
Contact: Martin Cowell tynetorhine@gmail.com
