Introducing Paul Moore - Cyclist
Who are you (name, age, where you come from)
PAUL MOORE age 54, from Cannock in Staffordshire
What is your background?
Raised in Cannock , left at 18 to join the RAF and returned to the scene of the crime a few years later and have lived there for the last 30 years. Married to Maria (she’s got the medal) for 20 years, own and help to run an IT company, recruitment company and small Accountancy Practice and advise in NED capacity to a few other companies.
Not from a rugby area or background but caught the bug aged 11 at secondary school and have played since until about 5 years ago, when I became even too slow for Vets rugby !! Playing for Stafford RUFC and later my local club Cannock RUFC. Now coaching Cannock’s Ladies team in which we started from scratch and now sit top of NC1 and won the national Junior Cup in 2019. I've also assisted coaching our county squad for 4 years.
Why did you want to get involved in this challenge?
A chance to be part of a team of like minded old rugby players doing what we do best….. Dragging each other through while we raise the profile and funds of this marvellous organisation.
How long have you been cycling?
15 years ago , I got talked into doing a coast to coast from the Lakes to South Shields , then from there 3 London to Paris trips , Edinburgh to London, Dublin to Killorglin, various sportives etc etc
What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of the trip?
Rob Boyns !!! He’s like some crazy Welsh Border Collie!! Apart from that by my own admittance I am a completely fair weather cyclist , all the trips above have one thing in common, they were summer achievements !!!
How important is it that we keep Doddie's memory alive?
Beyond important, essential !! His name and the fight for a cure for MND are symbiotic to me. On a personal note Doddie as a player and a figurehead later, epitomised everything that is great about our sport and we have to keep his memory alive to continue the fight for a cure for MND but also so that we keep hold of the values that bring us to this wonderful community that is rugby
How important is it that we continue to raise funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation?
So important, I wish we lived in a world where funding for things like this was just there, but unfortunately, it isn’t, so we have to stand up and get it done for people who are unable to do it.
What has been the most inspirational aspect of this challenge so far for you?
The people in the engine room, Gayle, Tom Chambers, Garry , Rob DD, Boynsy, etc etc who all have jobs, families but work tirelessly behind the scenes , I really don’t know how they have the time but I salute and admire them for it !!
What, ultimately, do you want to come out of this?
To raise awareness and profile of the foundation , while raising funds and ultimately being able to say I helped fund a cure
