Two Oakham rugby mates plan a one day biking bonanza cycling to rugby clubs and grounds they have played at.

James Beanland and Ben Turnbull are undertaking the mission on August 30 to raise funds for The Matt Hampson Foundation.

The Old Oakhamians will begin and end their journey at Oakham RFC and will pass a number of clubs, including Market Harborough, Lutterworth, Leicester Tigers, Syston, Melton Mowbray and many more.

The route will take them at least 140 miles (222K), climbing 6,500+ feet and passing 18 rugby clubs in total.

To date, their Justgiving Page has raised around £2,000, compared to their £3,000 target.

The pair knew Matt 'Hambo' Hampson from having played mini-rugby with him and both also being coached by Matt at Oakham RFC in more recent years.

During lockdown, with rugby not possible, the pair took up cycling and it became their main source of fitness training.

Matt "Hambo" Hampson suffered a life-altering injury while training for England U21s and is paralysed from the neck down.

The aim of the Matt Hampson Foundation is to provide advice, support, relief and/or treatment for anyone suffering serious injury or disability which has arisen from any cause, but in particular from participation in or training for any sport, sporting activity or other form of physical education or recreation.

Ben said: "The chance to be able to contribute to this great cause is an honour and we can't wait to do Hambo and his team proud."

"Please dig deep and push us along our way. Every time we get a donation to our Just Giving page we get such a buzz and our confidence in the big day grows."

Hambo's determination and can do spirit is something that has always inspired James and Ben, so they are using their new found interest in cycling as a forum to raise both awareness and funds to support The Matt Hampson Foundation.

James said: "The Matt Hampson Foundation has always been at the forefront of our minds as a couple of lads who play rugby."

"The thought of such a life changing incident that could happen whilst playing something you enjoy as a hobby is mind-blowing.

"To know that Hambo has created such an incredible rehab centre through his foundation is a true inspiration. We feel really privileged to be able to help raise revenue and awareness for the Foundation and everything Hambo and his team do for people who have these life changing incidents.

"We really hope that our OO community can feel how much it means to us to have received such support in the build-up and really hope for help to smash this target.

"We may be doing the mileage on our bikes but it's the wider family that makes the mileage on the donations page so every penny is a massive appreciation from us, the foundation and of course the beneficiaries."