Two brothers from York are embarking on an epic 340km charity cycle ride from Leeds United’s Elland Road football ground in Leeds to Harrow School in Middlesex.
Tianyi and Jinyi Zhou are raising money to tackle educational inequality in the UK.
The proceeds of this marathon three-day ride will be split between the Leeds United Foundation, the charity arm of Leeds United, and Harrow School, where the two brothers are pupils. 65 per cent will go to the Foundation and 35 per cent to Harrow.
Within two weeks of launching their Just Giving page, Tianyi and Jinyi have already raised over £2,000.
The charity ride, named the Field of Dreams, will take place in June.
Tianyi explained: “We originally set a target of £5,000 but, thanks to the generosity of so many people, we are now hoping to raise much more. Educational inequality is an issue that is very close to both our hearts and we trust our cycle ride will raise both money and awareness of this vital cause.
“By raising money for the Leeds United Foundation, we are supporting their continuous efforts to provide education and life-changing experiences for children of diverse backgrounds. The Foundation uses the power of football to enhance the lives of people across our region through opportunities in sport, education, and healthier lifestyles.
“We are aware that in 2023/24 the Foundation supported 70,000 beneficiaries from its 25 programmes, so we are extremely committed to play our part to help the Foundation continue this support.”
Vicky Conning, fundraising and events officer for the Leeds United Foundation, commented: “We are so grateful to Tianyi and Jinyi for undertaking this gruelling cycle ride. It’s going to take a lot a lot of courage and stamina, but we are very confident they will be up to the task.
“The money will help fund the Foundation’s amazing Primary Choices programme which will be hosted at Elland Road. The programme is for Year 5s and 6s, empowering and enabling opportunities for young people to discuss themes around making positive choices about their lives and futures and the consequences of negative choices.
“This will be delivered through interactive, discussion-based workshops with key themes that are prevalent in today’s society. This includes, just to name a few, anti-social and criminal behaviour, knife crime, gangs and grooming and addiction. Pupils will walk in the footsteps of the Leeds United players whilst receiving an exclusive tour of Elland Road stadium.
“Over the past three years, the Leeds United Foundation has delivered Primary Choices sessions to 214 Primary Schools, 796 sessions and to 23,384 young people,” added Vicky.
Jinyi continued: “Meanwhile we will also be raising money for Harrow School’s community. Harrow has provided us with our second home, where we learn and relax. Our house West Acre has provided ample opportunity and support for us and we would like to enable others to enjoy the privileges we have had.”
They added: “This is going to be a massive stamina test for us, but we will be buoyed by the amazing support we have received, and are receiving, which will spur us on to complete the ride course and raise money for such an important cause.”
If you would like to support Tianyi and Zhou, please visit their Just Giving page on https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Fieldofdreamsride
