Cool FM trio begin epic 800-mile cycle to raise £100,000 for NI children

Local Cool FM presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross ahead of their epic challenge of cycling from Paris to Banbridge in aid of Cash for Kids with the target of raising at least £100k to help disadvantaged children across Northern Ireland.

Cool FM Breakfast presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross are swapping the studio for the saddle as they take on an extraordinary 800-mile cycling challenge to raise more than £100,000 for children and young people across Northern Ireland.

On Monday morning, September 7, the trio will begin the six-day endurance ride in Paris, with a gruelling route that will take them through France, England and Scotland before crossing to Northern Ireland for a final push to the finish line in Banbridge.

Along the way they face around 10,000 metres of climbing — more than 11 times the height of Slieve Donard — with one punishing day expected to see them cover up to 280 kilometres.

Money raised will support Cash for Kids, which helps children and young people affected by poverty, illness, disability and additional needs across Northern Ireland.

Six days and more than 800 miles

The challenge begins in Paris before the team cycles through France and crosses the English Channel.

From there, Pete, Rebecca and Paulo will continue through England and Scotland towards Stranraer, where they will board a ferry to Belfast.

Their final stage will take them to Banbridge, where they hope to arrive on Saturday, 12 September.

Wednesday is expected to provide perhaps the biggest test of the entire journey, with the Breakfast team facing up to 280 kilometres — around 174 miles — in the saddle in a single day.

Local Cool FM presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross ahead of their epic challenge of cycling from Paris to Banbridge in aid of Cash for Kids with the target of raising at least £100k to help disadvantaged children across Northern Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the departure, Paulo Ross admitted the scale of what lies ahead was beginning to sink in.

“This is without a doubt the biggest challenge we’ve ever taken on, even with months of intensive training and planning. The nerves are understandably kicking in for all of us – particularly me as it was my idea in the first place!

“Knowing the difference these donations can make for local children will keep us going every step, or pedal, of the way. We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received so far and to our amazing sponsor Omexom.”

£100,000 fundraising target

The team has set its sights on raising more than £100,000 for Cash for Kids through the challenge.

Headline sponsor Omexom is backing the ride, with Steve Mosley, Head of Communications at the company, saying the team’s determination would help children and young people throughout Northern Ireland.

“We’re incredibly proud to support Pete, Paulo and Rebecca as they take on this remarkable challenge for Cash for Kids. Their commitment, determination and drive to push themselves to the limit for children and young people across Northern Ireland is truly inspiring.

“Challenges like this also demonstrate the commitment and community spirit of our people – something that is central to our ambition to be an employer of choice and a responsible business.

“I’ll be cheering them on from the starting line in Paris and encourage everyone to get behind them and support this fantastic cause.”

Homecoming planned in Banbridge

Local Cool FM presenters Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross ahead of their epic challenge of cycling from Paris to Banbridge in aid of Cash for Kids with the target of raising at least £100k to help disadvantaged children across Northern Ireland.

Supporters will have an opportunity to cheer the cyclists on when the challenge reaches Northern Ireland.

A number of cheer stations are planned for the final leg on Saturday, 12 September, culminating in a homecoming celebration and live broadcast at The Boulevard in Banbridge.

After six consecutive days and more than 800 miles on the bike, the finish will mark the end of one of the Cool FM Breakfast team’s biggest challenges to date — with every mile aimed at helping push the fundraising total beyond £100,000.

Donations can be made at: coolfm.co.uk/cycle