Former Ireland flanker Denis McBride is preparing for his biggest sporting challenge this July, when he completes an actual stage of the Tour de France.

Six other cyclists will also attempt to complete the challenge, namely, rugby journalist Jim Stokes; former Wasps’ skills coach John McCloskey, former Ulster U21 prop who is now a Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon Michael Stokes, SINI Physio Chris McNicholl, marathon runner Ian O’Neill and Richard Rea.

Denis, who won 32 caps, says he faces a massive challenge in France:
“It’s definitely the most daunting challenge since trying to tackle Jonah Lomu during the 1995 world Cup.

“As well hoping to raise funds for the Charlie Beverland Foundation in support of research into Liver Cancer treatment, I’m also hoping to raise money for Parkinsons UK.”

Already Jim Stokes has held a number of sponsored events in aid of the Charlie Beverland Foundation. “I knew Charlie very well over a number of years,” said Jim, a former Malone captain who won Ulster Senior League and Cup honours.

“As I belonged to the La Mon Country Club as an instructor, I bumped into him regularly. He was more than good to rugby folk who had come to stay at the hotel over the years.”

Charlie Beverland was well known in sporting and business circles. He was a talented rugby player, cricketer and first-rate senior referee and was well known around the clubs in Ireland. He was heavily involved with the family-run La Mon Hotel and Country Club where many players have stayed over the years.

He sadly passed away in 2009 after a stubborn battle against cancer, and in his memory, the Beverland family has recently set up a trust that will direct all money towards the research at the Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Trust.

The Charlie Beverland Foundation link is found at:
www.JustGiving.com/CharlieBeverlandFoundation

Cycling Challenge for Charlie Beverland Foundation

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