On the 24th July myself and 29 other individuals are taking part in a charity bike-ride from Edinburgh to Mold in north wales. A distance of 276 miles cycled over the course of 4 days which between all of the riders will mean a covered distance of over 8000 miles!

Hoppo's Hi 5's is a charity fund raising initiative in the memory of Paul and David Hopkins, two brothers who sadly passed away at the young ages of 24 and 30 respectively. Our fundraising activities started in 2009, raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) with the aim of funding lifesaving research for those with heart conditions and diabetes. All funds go directly to the BHF, and we have already raised over £40,000 through varies fundraising events.

Paul was a larger-than-life character who lived life to the full. Born with Transposition of the arteries, a serious and rare heart condition, he had major surgeries at birth and at the age of 6. However, his health challenges never held him back and was in inspiration. A keen rugby player and much-loved member of the community, his infectious laugh would always bring a smile to many. He sadly passed away in 2009 after suffering a seizure. Hoppo's hi 5's started in Paul's memory, we continue to raise money in his memory.

David was a kind and caring young man, softly spoken with an appetite for all things adventure. He was most happy outdoors - camping, hiking or floating down stream. Another fine Hopkins rugby player, David was much loved by many. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2017 and sadly passed away on Christmas eve in 2021. With his passing, there is renewed purpose to our fund-raising activities to raise even more money into lifesaving research.

The 2021 London to Mold Bike ride was such a resounding success, Hoppo's Hi 5's have set the challenge of cycling from the remaining home nations capitals - Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff and raise £100,000. Many miles, breakdowns, bad weather and hills will be overcome to raise money in the memory of two incredible young men and raise money for lifesaving research. Next up its Edinburgh, the longest cycle with over 16,000ft of elevation - more than x4.5 mount Snowdon’s.

The British Heart Foundation have been fundraising for 60 years and have helped fund breakthroughs like heart transplants, pacemakers, stents and clot-busting drugs and they’ve got ambitious plans for the next 60 years too. Cures for inherited heart diseases, radically improved treatments for strokes, ways to stop vascular dementia in its tracks and of course, recovering from the brutal blow that is the Covid-19 pandemic are all part of their future goals, so your support is more vital than ever before.

Thank you all for your support and see you at the finish line!

If you are able to donate to my JustGiving page by clicking here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hi5s?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=hi5s&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=a938eae98cbd4e1cb451322911581a38.

If you are able to donate financially then please add Gift Aid to your donation. This makes your donation worth 25% more automatically and doesn’t cost you an extra penny.