When James Bennett saw the Eiffel Tower he knew he had reached his goal, cycling from London to Paris over 4 days during one of Britain's hottest heatwaves from 24-48 July 2019, whilst raising an amazing £2,365.00 (+ £472.73 Gift Aid) for children's charity and adoption agency Adoption Matters.
Jamie, aged 28 from Stockport, was inspired to help Adoption Matters as he was placed for adoption through the charity. Jamie comments:
"Many years ago, Adoption Matters place me with the lovely family who made me who I am; and many years later they reconnected me with the family who completed me. I owe this charity the world, so it was a pleasure to support this very worthy cause."
The epic challenge was even more treacherous due to the heat and during Leg 2 in France the organisers took the decision to finish 30 miles early and collect all the participants by coach for fear of heat exhaustion! Jamie battled on finishing on time at the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Adoption Matters Chief Executive Norman Goodwin, CBE commented: "We all followed Jamie's trip on social media and we were so proud he cycled this distance in this blistering heat! It is always rewarding for us when adopted adults support our charity and we are also delighted that Jamie is now in the process of joining our Board of Trustees, meaning his experience and knowledge as an adoptee can help influence our policies and practice."
Adoption Matters has been finding permanent, loving families for children for since 1947 and offers ongoing training & support. They are always looking for more families for the 2,700 children currently waiting for an adoptive family. They have offices in Salford, Hale and throughout the UK.
To find out more about fundraising, volunteering or adopting with Adoption Matters, contact us at: info@adoptionmatters.org or call us on 0300 123 1066