Northumberland man completes 500-mile cycle challenge alongside rugby legends

A former Alnwick rugby player joined legends of the sport to complete a fund-raising cycle challenge ahead of the Six Nations clash between Scotland and England.
Graeme Smith, centre, with TV presenter John Inverdale and former British Lions rugby player, Tom Smith.Graeme Smith, centre, with TV presenter John Inverdale and former British Lions rugby player, Tom Smith.
Graeme Smith, centre, with TV presenter John Inverdale and former British Lions rugby player, Tom Smith.

Graeme Smith cycled 500 miles from Twickenham to Murrayfield in 48 hours ahead of the game in February, which England won 13-6.

“It was just an amazing experience,” said Graeme, a former player for Alnwick, Tynedale, Northumbria University and the Northumberland county team.

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“The biggest challenge was sleep deprivation,” he revealed. “My legs actually felt pretty good but the lack of sleep makes it hard to concentrate and a struggle to communicate or make decisions.

The 'Wounded Lions' at Twickenham at the start of their 500-mile cycle challenge.The 'Wounded Lions' at Twickenham at the start of their 500-mile cycle challenge.
The 'Wounded Lions' at Twickenham at the start of their 500-mile cycle challenge.

“It was also absolutely freezing from the moment we left Twickenham. The hardest part was probably towards the end when you just want to get it done as fast as you can but you’ve got the rest of the team to think about and media commitments.”

He was one of the core team members who completed the full route.

Ex-Scotland captain Rob Wainwright, former England player John Hall, ex-Irish international Paddy Johns and Wasps legend Paul Volley were among those also taking up the challenge of delivering the Calcutta Cup match ball.

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They were joined at various stages John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Roger Arneil, Paul Wallace, Peter Winterbottom, Damian Cronin and Paul Burnell.

The 'Wounded Lions' at the end of their cycle challenge at Murrayfield, Edinburgh.The 'Wounded Lions' at the end of their cycle challenge at Murrayfield, Edinburgh.
The 'Wounded Lions' at the end of their cycle challenge at Murrayfield, Edinburgh.

Together, the team raised over £100,000 for motor neuron disease and colon cancer charities in support of former Scotland and British Lions legends Doddie Weir and Tom Smith. Funds will go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and 40tude.

They met Tom at the start of their journey in London and he even cycled the first few miles with them on an electric bike, while Doddie was in Edinburgh to greet them.

“It was the first time I’d met Tom which was great because I was always a huge fan of his as a player,” said Graeme. “We also met Doddie after the match. They’re both such amazing people and the positive attitude they show despite what they’re going through is fantastic.”