Michael Vaughan jubilant as 'PruProtect Chance to Ride' fundraising peloton reaches its finale in London

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has completed the grueling 462-mile PruProtect Chance to Ride charity bike ride after a night ride from Southampton to London this morning (Tuesday).

Vaughan was joined on the final 70-mile stage from Southampton to The Kia Oval by fundraisers and celebrity supporters including former tennis ace Tim Henman and England footballer Jamie Redknapp who have raised thousands for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Chance to Shine.

Local school children welcomed the peloton as it arrived in the early hours. It had followed the England v Australia - NatWest One Day International series, travelling to each of the cricket venues before reaching its conclusion today.

Vaughan, who guided England to Ashes victory in 2005, said: "It's going to be a long long time before I want to see a saddle again! The PruProtect Chance to Ride has been everything I expected it to be tough, exhilarating, inspiring and great fun."

"We're raising a lot of money for Laureus and Chance to Shine, two great causes and it will all be worth it for the kids who get to play sport or get other opportunities thanks to the funds we have raised."

"I'd also really like to thank the fundraisers and friends who joined me, including Andrew Strauss, Victoria Pendleton, Jamie Redknapp, Tim Henman and Mark Nicholas."

Tim Henman added: As a Laureus Ambassador, I was delighted that Michael invited me on Chance to Ride and although it was a challenge, I really enjoyed the night ride to London.

"This event has had great support since it started 12 days ago and Michael deserves a lot of credit for making it happen and getting us all together to help raise funds for disadvantaged children."

Laureus World Sports Academy Member Sean Fitzpatrick was also at the Kia Oval, welcoming the returning riders. He said: "It was a great feat by all the riders and I would like to congratulate them for their support on this initiative. Michael Vaughan and his fellow Ambassadors have made a superb contribution to Laureus and Chance to Shine during the Ride."

Vaughan has undertaken two bike rides for Laureus in the past as well as completing one leg of International Triathlon Union World Championship Series in Hyde Park last year.

Both the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and Chance to Shine initiative use sport to aim to improve children's lives through the power of sport by providing coaching, education and equipment and instill sporting values.

To sponsor Michael following his epic bike ride click: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=MichaelVaughan&pageUrl=2

Latest

Donate

Every gift is important and every pound we receive helps to give more young people the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket.

Currently, every donation made to Chance to Shine is being matched pound for pound by the ECB. So any gift you make will go twice as far.

If you would prefer to send a cheque rather than donate online, please make it payable to Chance to Shine and send to Chance to Shine, Kia Oval, London SE11 5SW.
Trek the Alps for Chance to Shine

Are you looking for some adventure in 2024? Join Chance to Shine’s new overseas trek in September 2024 where you will spend three exclusive days hiking the beautiful mountains of the Alps with ‘Team Chance to Shine’ and a former England cricketer.
A joint statement on the findings of the ICEC Report

A joint statement from Chance to Shine, The ACE Programme and Lord's Taverners on the findings of the ICEC Report.
Tim Score to take up the role as Chair of Chance to Shine

Chance to Shine are pleased to announce that Tim Score will take up the role as Chair of the charity from 1st September 2023.

Free school resources

Chance to Shine has built a powerful bank of free cricket teaching resources for primary schools so teachers can lead their own cricket sessions. The resources include lesson plans, instructional videos and top tips.
About us

Chance to Shine is a national cricket charity that works in state schools and communities to spread the power of cricket. We believe that all children should be given the opportunity to play and learn through cricket. We believe that cricket teaches children valuable skills like communication, teamwork and respect that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
Street cricket

Chance to Shine Street cricket is fast, fun and free. It's played with a tapeball and requires no protective equipment. It's cricket's answer to five-a-side football.
Primary schools

Chance to Shine work in state primary schools across England and Wales supporting schools to deliver cricket coaching to their pupils. We teach cricket in primary schools and support teachers with free resources including lesson plans, videos and tips from the professionals.
The challenge

Chance to Shine believes in how the power of cricket can help children from state schools and deprived communities. We know that many children are missing out on the benefits of physical eduction particularly girls, those from a BAME background and from a lower socio-economic background.
Contact Us

Contact Chance to Shine, the national cricket charity, who spread the power of cricket in state schools and communities across the country.
Get cricket in your school

Here's how Chance to Shine can support your school in delivering cricket.
Secondary schools

We provide competition opportunities for children in state secondary schools. We have also developed a set of digital resources for teachers. Chance to Shine will also deliver a girls' cricket programme in secondary schools, training young leaders and developing life skills through playing the sport.
Work for us

Job opportunities at children's charity Chance to Shine. Come and help us spread the power of cricket.
Our story

Chance to Shine is an independent charity that works to spread the power of cricket in schools and communities across the country. Set up as the Cricket Foundation, the charity aims to provide opportunities in state schools and deprived communities.