A Notts man will cycle 1,000 miles for When You Wish Upon a Star and the first and last miles as the mascot to raise money for the children’s charity.
Phil Fell, from Mansfield, is the Wish Bear mascot for the charity in his spare time and will ride the first and last mile from John O’Groats to Land’s End on a customised ‘fat bike’ instead of a road bike.
Fat bikes have oversized tyres and are usually used on terrains such as snow, sand or ice.
Phil is attempting to raise a total of £1,000, the equivalent of one pound for every mile he cycles with £140 raised on his JustGiving page so far.
He will be cycling with two friends and a support driver.
Speaking about the challenge, Phil said: “Coming from Mansfield, I had heard all about the amazing work of WYWUAS – which was founded in Nottingham, so I decided to put all my physical efforts into fundraising for this awesome charity.
“Over the years I have done so much with WYWUAS as Wish Bear; from visiting hospitals at Easter and Christmas to entertaining children on their way to Lapland, I have even hosted an insanity fitness class in the costume – which was hot!
“Through my work as Wish Bear I have seen first-hand how amazing the charity is and how, even if for a moment, its ability to grant the wishes of seriously ill children can transform tough times for families.
“If we raise £1,000, it will help pay for one child and their guardian to go to Lapland this Christmas with WYWUAS.”
Phil came up with the idea as he likes to challenge himself.
He said: “I have always enjoyed challenging myself physically whether it is through an ironman event, race or bike ride – I always look for a new way to try something new.
“After competing in a number of events I soon realised that I could be raising much-needed funds for a local charity – which is when I started actively supporting WYWUAS and filling Wish Bear’s furry shoes.”
Speaking of Phil’s support, regional fundraiser at WYWUAS Maggie Falconer said: “Phil has always been an amazing supporter of the charity.
“No challenge has ever been too much and he always has so much dedication enthusiasm and energy when he bounces into our office.
“We love working with Phil as Wish Bear and are so grateful to him for his time and support, we cannot wait to see Wish Bear tackle the cycle in September and in the meantime, hope lots of people are able to show him support.
“We believe every child deserves to smile and with your support, we can give children and their families something special to look forward to.”
