Scott Walker's Chopper Challenge

[Bibs]

Scott Walker’s 50,50,50 challenge – Sunday, October 9th, 2022 – Lotus Test Track, Hethel.

In the summer of 2013, Scott Walker, Head of Retail Operations at Lotus Cars, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After 6 months of extremely intensive chemotherapy, Scott made a complete recovery and has been fortunate to remain in good health since receiving an all clear in 2019. He now wishes to raise some money for two charities to whom he has strong links. 

Sunday 09 October 2022, Scott will cycle 50 miles around the famous Lotus test track on his bike, to raise money for Lymphoma Action, and The Care for Life at Home Fund, in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Support Group. Established 2007 in memory of Sarah Hepworth (daughter of Lotus founders, Colin & Hazel Chapman) this local fund supports palliative care in the home.

However, this isn’t just a normal ride, as to make it more of a challenge, Scott will ride the 50 miles on a 3-speed Raleigh Chopper, a culturally iconic bicycle, that was introduced as the Mk 2 in 1972.

Scott is calling this his 50-50-50 challenge – 50 miles, on a 50 year old bike in his 50^th year.

The event has been opened to any staff members that may wish to cycle the test track, which will provide Scott with some moral support, as well as raising further funds on his challenge.

Scott said, “For anyone, the diagnosis of any cancer is worrying – I am grateful to Lymphoma Action for their support before, and during my treatment and I’d simply like to give something back. I deeply admire the work of The Care for Life at Home Trust that operate in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge, here in Norwich. Just weeks after her 50^th birthday, my mother lost her fight against cancer whilst in hospice care and I’m keen that we can raise as much money as possible for two very worthwhile charitable organisations, that for me are very close to home”.

To support you can also donate via Just Giving TEAMS page, noting that due to platform limitations there is a separate team, for each of the two charities, so please feel free to donate to either charity, or split your donation between both.

https://www.justgiving.com/team/scottchopper

The Care For Life at Home Fund, in association with Priscilla Bacon Lodge (PBL)Support Group. Established in memory of Sarah Hepworth (Colin & Hazel Chapman’s daughter) supporting palliative care in the home.

The UK's only charity dedicated to Lymphoma, the 5th most common cancer. Provides support and information to 000’s of people affected by lymphoma.

NB Can you please try to donate to both charities rather than just the first one  - 50%/50% would be perfect, thank you! 

[jep]

Brilliant idea and brilliant causes.

Next up, 50 miles on a space hopper.

Justin 

 

[comem47]

sorry, but being a south park fan    

[Bibs]

A big thanks to all have donated so far, great to see many familiar names in the donations list. Thank you all

[Bibs]

Scott Walker – success on the Lotus Test Track for Charity

Scott Walker, Head of Retail at Lotus achieved his 50-50-50 charity challenge – 50 miles, on a 50 year old bike in his 50^th year.

Riding a Raleigh Chopper around the Lotus test track at Hethel Norfolk on Sunday 09 October 2022, Scott lapped the 2.2 miles track 22.7 times in 5 hours 54 minutes, with a fastest lap of 10 minutes 37 seconds at a speed of 12.43 mph. The Chopper Challenge has already raised £3,497 for the two charities Lymphoma Action, and The Care for Life at Home Fund in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Support Group.

Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus co-founders Colin and Hazel Chapman, started the riders at 0900 with a traditional flag-drop start. 20 Lotus colleagues, many riding vintage or retro bikes joined Scott throughout the day

   

to add moral support and encouragement; the weather was a typical Autumn day, sunny, chilly with a strong southerly wind which, with the test track being oriented north to south, meant half the lap was against a 20 mph wind. At the end of the challenge, Martin Donnelly (Ex Team Lotus F1 Driver) was on hand to wave Scott through the chequered flag.

Scott Walker said, “Riding a Raleigh Chopper for 50 miles was a great personal achievement as I’m not a cyclist, and it’s a bike that is not designed for great distances in comfort. I am extremely grateful to all who supported, I thank everyone that has generously donated, and thanks to those who rode with me at various stages providing the moral support, and the slipstream in the strong headwind! I am also grateful to Lotus for providing the Lotus Test Track which was the best location and facility for this challenge.

In the summer of 2013, Scott Walker, Head of Retail Operations at Lotus Cars, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After six months of extremely intensive chemotherapy, Scott made a complete recovery and has been fortunate to remain in good health since receiving an all clear in 2019.

Scott has so far raised £3,497 for Lymphoma Action, and The Care for Life at Home Fund in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Support Group. Established 2007 in memory of Sarah Hepworth (daughter of Lotus founders, Colin & Hazel Chapman) this local fund supports palliative care in the home.

Scott said, “For anyone, the diagnosis of any cancer is worrying – I am grateful to Lymphoma Action for their support before, and during my treatment and so I’d simply like to give something back. I deeply admire the work of The Care for Life at Home Trust that operate in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge here in Norwich. Just weeks after her 50^th birthday, my mother lost her fight against cancer whilst in hospice care and I’m keen that we can raise as much money as possible for two very worthwhile charitable organisations, that for me, are very close to home”.

To support you can still also donate via Just Giving TEAMS page, noting that due to platform limitations there is a separate team for each of the two charities, so please feel free to donate to either charity, or split your donation between both. https://www.justgiving.com/team/scottchopper

[Sizona]

Well done Scott

Fantastic 😇

[MPx]

Well done Scott - phenomenal going against the wind.  Dont forget to add in the offline totals...

[Kimbers]

Well done mate, congrats!

[DarrylV8]

Well done Scott, assume you have recovered from sore seat infliction?

[scotty435]

Fantastic achievement for a great cause. Well done Scott.

[Bibs]

Final update on Scott's fundraising, over £5k raised with the gift aid. A brilliant achievement for 2 amazing charities, well done Scott