Introducing Mel Royles - Support team
Who are you (name, age, where you come from)
Mel Royles, 66, Vale of Clwyd, Ruthin, North Wales.
What is your background?
Retired Local Government Officer, ie Building Control.
Why did you want to get involved in this challenge?
I have followed Doddies story since he signed his book for me at the Wigtown book festival, and have always been keen to be involved in doing something positive for the cause.
How long have you been cycling?
I started cycling like most as a youngster, joining the Wrexham Road Club at the age of 13, so apart from not doing a lot of cycling when taking up the oval ball at the age of twenty, I joined the Rhyl Cycling Club at the age of 43 following a cruciate ligament injury playing for Ruthin Rugby Club vets. So you could say 53 yrs or, realistically, 30 yrs.
What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of the trip?
As a support member of the team I would expect the hardest part of the challenge for me will be not being out on the road, but you can be certain the riders will be getting a whole load of encouragement from and that I will be able to take some of the pressure off them.
How important is it that we keep Doddie's memory alive?
Keeping Doddie's memory alive through the support and science that can be generated from the work of the Doddie Weir Foundation helps maintain the foundation's purpose, raise awareness and honour Dod’s legacy in the fight against MND.
How important is it that we continue to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation?
Keeping the fight against this evil disease is of the utmost importance and if this is a way of keeping that fight going then let’s just keep on riding and raising the awareness.
What has been the most inspirational aspect of this challenge so far for you?
To meet all you guys who are giving so much for the cause is just amazing and being invited to join you has given me a real boost and a sense of purpose in life, thank you.
What, ultimately, do you want to come out of this?
To provide a greater awareness to people of the great work being done in the name of a good man.
