A TOWERING former rugby player is hoping to rise to the challenge when he tackles a charity bike ride through London.
Craig Gillies, who ended his playing career at Worcester Warriors last year, will be joining 3,000 riders for the Nightrider cycling event on Sunday, June 8.
The 100km course will see competitors ride through the streets of the capital city where they will pass a number of famous landmarks, including the London Eye, Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge.
Gillies, who stands at 6ft 8in, remains Warriors’ leading appearance marker having played 288 times in 11 seasons for the Aviva Premiership club.
And the 37-year-old, who is in his testimonial year, said he was keen to throw himself into the challenge as he aims to raise thousands of pounds for St Richard’s Hospice.
“Since retiring I’m not at the same level or intensity of fitness I was at the Warriors but I still keep in shape with regular training, “ Craig said.
“The Nightrider jumped out at me as a personal challenge to take on, particularly as I went to university and lived in London when I played for Richmond so will be cycling through old haunts.
“It’s great that I can also raise some money to help such a great local charity continue its care.”
Also taking part for St Richard’s are hospice volunteer David Purdham from Powick, staff members Robert Standfield and Ed Whiteman from Worcester as well as supporters Nick Sandy and Chris Wilson.
