200 mile cycle challenge in Liam's memory
12.04.11
FIVE brave cyclists will be pedaling 200 miles to West Bromwich Albion's final match of the season in Newcastle.
The group is doing the challenge in memory of football-mad teenager Liam Keeling, who died from meningitis in October 2009, aged 13.
They hope to raise over £3,000 for Meningitis UK as they cycle from West Brom via Alfreston, York and Chester-le-Street to Newcastle's St James' Park ground for the May 22 match.
Leading the pack is Shaun Flagherty, who used to coach Liam in the Wyrley Juniors team alongside Liam's dad Andy.
He is being joined by Kevin Sedgewick, Mick Law, Craig Walton and David Mitchison, with support en route from Roy and Kathy Lowe.
Shaun said: "When Liam tragically died we said we wanted to cycle to a game. I suggested Newcastle and just hoped it wouldn't be a fixture in the depth of winter.
"Luckily it turned out to be the last match of the season, which seemed fitting.
"It's just short of 200 miles in total, so around 70 miles a day. We've put a lot of effort in on the road to build up our legs for the ride. It'll be tough but hopefully we'll have a laugh along the way."
The fundraising drive in memory of Liam, from Cheslyn Hay, has now topped the £70,000 mark, thanks to the continued efforts of the Liam Keeling Memorial Fund.
All the money goes towards Meningitis UK's life-saving research into finding a vaccine for all forms of meningitis, including the meningitis B strain from which Liam died.
Liam, who was a year eight pupil at Cardinal Griffin, was a talented footballer whose death shocked and devastated all who knew him and his family.
Shaun, whose son Jordan was the same age as Liam, said: "Liam's dad Andy and I set the Wyrley Juniors up so that our sons could play. That was six years ago now. Liam was a really good player and the team went from strength to strength.
"Liam was such a nice lad and a proper gentle giant. I remember the phone call telling me about his death.
"I'd seen him at a charity race night on the Friday and it just seemed like he was coming down with a cold, so to hear he'd died on the Tuesday was a massive shock.
"Everyone's been so keen to support Meningitis UK in Liam's memory. We want to make sure future generations are protected because of how quickly the disease strikes and the devastation it causes."
It is thought Liam initially had swine flu, which weakened his immune system and meant he was unable to fight the meningitis-causing bacteria.
The charity cycle ride between West Brom and Newcastle gets underway on May 19.
Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "Cycling 200 miles in three days is no mean feat and we hope the whole crew get to see a West Brom victory at St James' Park as a reward for their efforts!
"It's really been heartening to see how much everyone's rallied round in memory of Liam, who was a very popular and talented young man.
"Every penny they raise will go towards our single focus of finding a vaccine to save thousands of lives in the future."
To sponsor the cyclists, contact Richard Holmes from the Liam Keeling Memorial Committee on 07825 747731 or donate directly onto Liam's Forever Fund for Meningitis UK by visiting www.meningitisuk.tributefunds.com and searching for Liam Keeling.
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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