Whilst the ‘Wightlink’ Warriors speedway team were in racing action at Eastbourne last Saturday, a hardy group of supporters took to their own Andrew Younie Smallbrook circuit in Ryde to walk, ride and run laps of the track at the forefront of the Cancer Research UK Isle of Wight Relay.
The Warriors home base was the venue for this twenty four hour marathon as hundreds of cancer survivors, sufferers and supporters joined together to fund raise for deserving charities who are making a difference for people and families dealing with this most threatening disease.
Led off on their first lap by Charlie Green, Jack Sculley-Syer, Dawson Sabin, Aidan Hinchliffe and Morgan Williams, all trainees of the ‘My First Skid’ speedway school, individuals and teams had joined up for a day of ‘togetherness’ as they chatted and shared stories during laps of the 385 metre track – seen from a rather different perspective by the speedway group ‘Wonder Warriors’ who are more used to watching from the stands. Their sterling efforts raised over £1,000 and it’s a huge well done to Angie Cooper, Lisa Sokol, Graham Hewitt, Jess Taylor, Anastasia Sallee, Morgan Williams and Vicky Goulbourne magnificently supported by Colin and Steph Whitlock, Chris Jeffery, Lisa Luckman and Jane Harvey.
Speedway co-promoter Barry Bishop, no stranger to the impact of cancer, was glowing in his praise for all those who took part as he said, “Oh my word. What a fabulous day and night we’ve had. I am so proud of all the folks who took part – especially our Wonder Warriors – and my thanks to all the other volunteers who provided medical support, technical help, refreshments and all the other things that enable these events to run smoothly. The candlelit remembrance on Saturday night was particularly poignant for all those who have been touched by this horrible disease and it did bring a tear to my eye. So with 2018 being brilliant, I’m sure we can make 2019 amazing”.
The next activities for the Warriors and Wizards comes on Saturday (22 September) as the Isle of Wight ‘Wightlink’ Wizards race their final Southern Development League fixture against Reading Racers at Eastbourne whilst closer to home it’s Isle of Wight Day and the club will be flying the speedway flag in the ‘It’s A Knockout’ competition at Northwood House in Cowes.
Wizards go to Eastbourne in the hope of repeating their previous success at the Sussex track when they beat Weymouth Wildcats and it will be the same line up again featuring James Luckman, Jamie Sealey, Chris Watts and Morgan Williams.
At Northwood House from 3.00 to 6.00, the Warrior athletes - who hope to include popular rider and fitness fanatic Danno Verge in the team – will test their skills and agility with tasks involving rushing water, wobbly platforms and crazy inflatables in a fun filled afternoon. Team coordinator Sarah Green has put together a great gang who are willing to ‘give it a go’ and will be pleased to welcome supporters and spectators to provide some vocal encouragement.
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