"The Onside project developed by Gloucester Rugby in conjunction with Prospect Training Services, helps give support to youngsters who have become disaffected.
"The project aims to build their confidence and self-esteem and offer skills they need to assist them back into further education or employment. It's a great cause and I'm happy to go the extra 80 miles to help them raise funds".
Launching the plan at Kingsholm before the recent game against Bath alongside officials and players, the city MP encouraged others to join him:
"Anyone who want to join me and help raise funds will be very welcome. We'll do this on the weekend of the 26th- 27thMarch, with an overnight pit stop to assess damage. A van will bring the bikes and those who come with me back - but my cherry and white bike will stay in London and I'll ride it most days to Parliament".
Wooden Spoon Chairman Tim Heal added:
"The support from all members of Wooden Spoon for community projects is very strong - we raised over £11,000 at our annual dinner at Kingsholm, and a further £1300 at the Bath game, and I'm delighted that Richard is putting his health at risk for the cause. I might even go myself too…"
Gloucester Rugby's community manager Gary Little said:
"I'm not sure either the bike or its rider are in great shape - we need to put Richard through a fitness course here - so it will be a real challenge for him but it's fantastic to have our MP backing our community projects.
"We saw that with the Apprenticeship fair he helped to organise here, and now the Onside course. I'll sponsor him!
"In recent years by working with and creating partnerships with public and private organisations the community work of the Gloucester Rugby now extends to the promotion of health and well-being, social inclusion projects, raising young people's attainment levels through educational programmes and projects that help support community cohesion.
"Our projects have received much positive feedback which is indicative of the positive effect that community work has. We wish to continue to grow and develop and to do so we need additional support. We are extremely grateful to Wooden Spoon for their continued support of our projects".
Prospect Training's Louise Pinnell joked:
"I don't think Richard has ridden his bike further than Quedgeley so this is asking a lot but I know he'll go for it and I hope there'll be someone from Prospect there with him."
The MP's wife Anthea, who gave Richard the bike as a Christmas present after his last one was stolen from Eastgate St, and painted the cherry and white stripes, said:
"He's mad and I hope this doesn't end up in hospital, but I'd love lots of people to sponsor his madness. He thinks this course is really important to Gloucester's future, so please help him".
