A FORMER University of Worcester student has been back on campus as he gets ready for his last year of big fundraising challenges.
Tony Frobisher, aged 55, has already run the London Marathon, cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats, climbed Kilimanjaro and trekked to Everest, and in the spring of 2024, he’ll be climbing Scafell Pike before he cycles 200 miles to climb Mount Snowdon to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
In preparation of the cycling leg of his journey, Tony came to the University of Worcester where he underwent a professional ‘bike fit’.
His riding goals and history were assessed along with his anatomy so his position on his bike and pedalling dynamics could be modified to improve comfort and efficiency.
Tony’s fund-raising journey began in 2007, a year after his triplet daughters Jewel, Louisa and Milla were born, 16 weeks prematurely.
Jewel sadly passed away after just 17 days.
Milla had severe cerebral palsy and was unable to walk or talk, and she often received respite care at Acorns Children’s Hospice. Sadly, in 2016, while on a family visit to Indonesia, Milla became very ill suddenly and passed away from sepsis at the age of just 10.
Tony has been a champion of the work that Acorns does, and his fundraising efforts led to him being chosen to be a Baton Bearer for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
Speaking ahead of his big climb and cycle in the Spring, Tony said: “I’ve done so much cycling but I’ve never had anything like a bike fit.
“I got in touch with the University of Worcester and they were very kind and said they’d support me.”
He added: “I’ll be doing a bit of guest lecturing about my fundraising too, so it’s a mutual collaboration and I’m really happy to support the students here.”
Reflecting on his years of big fundraising challenges, Tony said: “I made a promise to my daughter when we lost her that I was going to fundraise as long as I’m fit and healthy.
“I’m still fit and healthy, but to be honest, it gets harder. I’m 55 and I don’t want to push it too far!”
He added: I’m excited, this is a challenge I really want to do.
“I’ve never climbed Scafell Pike and that’s something I need to tick off the list!”
Speaking about his ‘bike fit’, Tony said: “I learned a lot.
“I’ve been doing lots of it right, but there are some tweaks I’ll benefit from with my saddle position.
“It’s fascinating to see the science behind it and to see a digital outline of yourself cycling on the screen!”
Anyone who would like to donate to Tony’s fundraising efforts to help Acorns Childrens Hospice can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/page/twopeakstwopedals
