Myself (James Donne) and Matthew Lewis aim to raise money by riding from Cardiff to Paris this summer, along with players, sponsors and friends of Cardiff Blues rugby team. 

In June 2014 Cardiff Blues and Wales International Owen Williams suffered a significant injury to his cervical vertebrae and spinal cord while playing for Cardiff Blues at the World Cup rugby 10’s tournament in Singapore. Following the injury Owen had lost the movement in the upper and lower portions of his body but thankfully, due to the excellent level of care he has received from Rookwood hospital, he has gained good movement in his left arm and slight regain in his right.

Owen remains at the Welsh Spinal Injuries and Neurological Rehabilitation Unit in Rookwood Hospital, Cardiff as he continues his long term rehabilitation and recovery.

On June 3rd, in association with the Cardiff Blues, we shall start the ride from BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.  The ride comprises of 516km (320 miles) spread over 4 days. We’ll be stopping at various rugby clubs and social venues along the way, finally ending by riding right up to the Eiffel tower in Paris. 

Matthew and I would be hugely grateful with any help given with this event, whether it be donations, or help in spreading our campaign, though retweets/shares on social media, or just word of mouth.

If you donate, please tick the 'Gift Aid' box, as we will then receive 25p for every pound you have donated from the Inland Revenue, which will make a huge difference. 

Our aim is to raise as much money as we can for Owens continued rehabilitation.  As we're asking so much of people to reach our goal, we've decided to document our journey by creating a blog which we shall both be updating regularly. The blog will follow the run up to the challenge, and hopefully, the challenge itself, as a thank you for peoples generosity.  We'll be taking photos (and hopefully videos, go-pro pending) while out training, so even if you just tune in for the inevitable 'wipeout aftermaths', which I am sure there will be plenty of, then please do. 

Please find our blog at:   http://www.staystrongforows.blogspot.co.uk/

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and showing interest in our fundraiser.

James & Matthew

#StayStrongForOws