Wolves Disability FC captain and volunteer coach Darren James and his partner Jade are getting on their bikes to support Wolves Foundation – at this year’s inaugural Tour De Midlands!
For the first time, the Foundation are teaming up with other club foundations across the West Midlands for an exciting new cycle event, starting and finishing at Birmingham’s iconic Alexander Stadium.
The 40-mile route will take in the region’s professional football grounds – stopping off at Villa Park, St Andrews @ Knighthead Park, Molineux, the Hawthorns and the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium during the challenge.
For Daz, a previous winner of the Foundation’s Spirit of Wolves award due to his inspirational story, this will be the latest in a long line of fundraising exploits to support the club’s official charity.
He wears an artificial limb after being born with an abnormality to his right leg, but has never let anything get in the way of his love of sport, and an association with Wolves Disability FC first launched when he saw the half time fixture against Cardiff back in 2019.
“I always try and support the Foundation as much as I can, and did a cycling challenge for the Feed Our Pack campaign when I challenged myself to complete 250 miles in a month and ended up doing 300,” says Daz.
“Then we did the Molineux Abseil last year, which was another great experience!
“As soon as we heard about the Tour De Midlands it was something we both wanted to get involved with – I love the idea and I’m just mad for it!
“I know a lot about the incredible work that Wolves Foundation deliver for the community and for the disability squad which I’m involved in.
“But I also think it’s really good that all the different Foundations are getting involved and coming together for the event.”
Jade is also delighted to be able to join the challenge this year, having returned to cycling and bringing back memories of having a mountain bike as a child.
“I used to ride my bike down to our local Farm Shop and it’s been great to get back into it – and buy a few more padded shorts and stuff like that!” she says.
“I have done spin previously, so I’ve done the clip in and out on the pedals, but not actually out there on the roads!
“It’s been really enjoyable, putting the training in, and learning how to fuel for the ride, but I am really looking forward to it.”
Both are now very much relishing the prospect of joining the teams from all the different Foundations for the event on Sunday, June 7th.
“It’s going to be a really special day,” added Daz.
Click here to support Daz and Jade’s fundraising for Wolves Foundation.