Three former Southport Rugby Club players are scrumming together to try a gruelling 215-mile endurance cycle ride between Carlisle and Edinburgh.
Richard Webb, alongside fellow Southport rugby men Andy Christian and Paul Bidwell, who will be supporting in key roles, are undertaking an incredible cycling challenge to raise vital funds for the Southport Forget Me Not Café.
A relatively new but already invaluable community initiative, the café opened inside the Southport YMCA building on Hoghton Street in Southport town centre in December.
It provides a welcoming space for those living with dementia and their carers. It is a place to connect, relax, and simply be.
Run entirely on goodwill and community spirit, it is a service that relies heavily on ongoing support to continue making a difference.
Photo by Bertie Cunningham Southport BID
The Dementia Café is the brainchild of CEO of Southport Community Sports Steve Haworth and volunteer Jenny Bowles.
Like so many, Steve and Jenny have experienced family members who have been affected by dementia. In Steve’s case it was uncle, and with Jenny, her father.
They want to use the facilities available within the community centre to offer a warm space and friendship to those that suffer directly from the disease and their carers.
Following a recent visit and meeting with Jenny Bowles and her mum, Richard has committed to making this his biggest fundraiser yet, with a target of £1,000 to help sustain and grow the café’s impact within the local community.
People can donate here: Crowdfunding For Good From JustGiving
The Challenge
The fundraising effort will see the team take on an impressive endurance ride.
Route Southport to Carlisle to Edinburgh
Distance approximately 215 miles
Elevation around 10,000 feet of climbing
Event in conjunction with The Ride to the Sun
Date Saturday 20th June 2026
Start time 7.30am from the Southport Forget Me Not Café
This is no small feat, both physically and mentally, but one driven by purpose and a strong connection to the Southport community.
Supporters are encouraged to get involved in any way they can, even joining the riders for the opening miles of the journey.
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are three 72 mile route segments available for sponsorship.
- Southport to Burneside
- Burneside to Lockerbie
- Lockerbie to Edinburgh
This is a great opportunity for individuals or local businesses to support both the riders and the cause.
For sponsorship enquiries please contact : [email protected] / 07592 201435 via WhatsApp
Supporting a Special Cause
Richard is asking for a simple but powerful contribution of just 1p per mile.
While it may sound small, that £2.15 can make a real difference. For example, it can provide something as simple as a box of tea bags, helping to create the warm and welcoming environment the café is known for.
As a non profit organisation, every contribution goes directly towards supporting those who rely on this special space.
Get Behind the Team
If you can, please consider donating and showing your support for the riders and the incredible work of the Southport Forget Me Not Café.
Click HERE to support.
Businesses on and around Hoghton Street have supported the Dementia Café initiative as part of a ‘Hoghton Street Cares’ campaign run by Southport Community Sports.
Stokers, Fletchers solicitors, Birkdale Insurance, Harrison Drury, Napthens, The Print Quarter, British Heart Foundation, Waterstones, Dunelm, Dobbies and Stubbs Parkin and Sainsbury’s are all supporting the centre.
For more details about the Southport Forget Me Not Café please email Steve Haworth at: [email protected]
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