Over 70 supporters from Wolves, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Walsall and West Bromwich Albion came together for the inaugural Tour de Midlands event – raising vital funds for their respective club charities and demonstrating the power of football to unite communities around a shared cause.
Starting and finishing at the Alexander Stadium — the UK’s largest athletics venue of its kind — participants cycled 40 miles across the West Midlands taking in all five of the club stadiums.
There was an extra special surprise over lunch snacks at Molineux, where Wolves legend and Foundation honorary patron John Richards and the city’s cycling great and former world champion Hugh Porter were on hand to meet cyclists and chat about the challenge.
Each rider was raising funds for their own club’s charity, with Wolves Disability player and volunteer coach Darren James and his partner Jade raised an incredible £1,000 towards Wolves Foundation’s total.
Darren said: “Completing the Tour de Midlands is something that will stay with me for a long time, not just because of the challenge, but because of the experience as a whole and the people I shared it with – and a few stories we’ll definitely be telling for a while.
“As soon as I heard about the challenge and realised that clubs from across the Midlands were coming together for it, I just knew it was something I had to be involved in and support. For me, that sent a really strong message, bringing communities together through football, sport, and a shared cause, and I wanted to be part of something like that.
“Taking part alongside Jade made the journey even more special, although I’ll admit, it took a bit of persuading to get her signed up!
“Cycling is something I’ve been doing for years, but this was completely new territory for Jade. To her credit, once I talked her into it, she fully committed.
“That meant plenty of training rides together in all kinds of weather, rain, wind, and everything the Midlands could throw at us. We also became very familiar with the side of the road, as Jade seemed to pick up punctures at an impressive rate!”
Another rider who was part of the Wolves team was Lukas Bailey, goalkeeping coach of the Wolves Women team who recently secured a fantastic promotion to WSL2, and the professional ranks.
Lukas says he decided to take on Tour de Midlands because of the amazing work delivered by the Foundation which he has seen during his two years at Wolves.
“The club has a strong place in my heart and has done so much for me since joining and it was my chance to give a little bit back,” he said.
“The day itself was excellent – we had a group representing the Foundation and all became really close on the day, with different ability levels, experience, but everyone came together and I met some amazing people on the journey.
“From a personal point of view, being able to push myself was excellent and something I will remember for a long time.
“It took me out of my comfort zone but I am so glad I signed up. The event was run smoothly from start to finish and I will be looking out for the next challenge for the Foundation who do an unbelievable job.”
For the final word on the day, and what it meant even beyond the sense of togetherness and the fundraising, back to Darren, who wears an artificial limb after being born with an abnormality to his right leg, and continues to offer a shining example of overcoming challenge.
“As the Wolves Disability Captain, the Wolves Foundation means a huge amount to me personally,” he added.
“The support they’ve given me has helped build my confidence and provided opportunities and experiences I’m incredibly grateful for.
“Because of that, it’s really important to me to give something back, and taking part in events like this and raising funds is my way of supporting the Foundation in the same way they’ve supported me.
“But for me, it’s about more than just fundraising. I want to show young people, especially those with disabilities, that they shouldn’t let anything define or limit them.
“You can do far more than you think you can. If I can get out there and take on something like this, then hopefully it shows others that anything is possible.
“Wolves Foundation offer some incredible opportunities, and I want kids to know that there are pathways, experiences, and support available to help them grow, build confidence, and achieve things they might not have thought possible. Nothing should hold them back from going after what they want.
“Of course, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel it at times, especially with one leg doing a bit more of the hard work than the other!
“But that’s all part of the challenge, and something I’m proud of. If anything, it makes finishing something like this even more meaningful.”
A huge thank you to Foundation Pack Patrons Stratstone for providing two support vehicles on the day, to Bostin Coffee for an incredible array of snacks for the cyclists, and Decathlon, who were on hand to deliver any required running repairs and advice and guidance.
