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Actor Joe Cole with friends Alex and Christian

ACTOR JOE COLE AND HIS EPIC CYCLING CHALLENGE

Actor Joe Cole and his epic cycling challenge

Gangs of London star to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats for Momentum Children’s Charity

Joe Cole has been a hard man to track down of late. A gruelling training regime is in progress, and together with five of his mates, he is taking on an epic 980 mile route in just nine days for Momentum Children’s Charity this September.

When he finally gets a phone signal, he takes a breather to tells us about it. “It’s been pretty brutal! We’ve been getting out on the bikes as much as possible, doing lots of hills, and really ramping things up this month with the challenge around the corner. Next weekend we’re planning to do 100 miles on three consecutive days to get used to spending time in the saddle day after day. We’re also trying to make sure we eat and sleep as much as possible… and not fall out with one another!”

They have set themselves the target of £10,000 but are hoping to smash that. Like many charities, Momentum Children’s Charity has been hard hit financially by the impact of coronavirus, at a time when the families they support have needed them more than ever. The charity helps families whose children have cancer or other life-challenging conditions, from offering counselling and creative therapies to providing special family experiences and respite breaks. Joe urges people to donate whatever they can.  “As a small charity, every penny really does count so every donation, little or large, really will make a genuine difference.”

It was only during lockdown that Joe, 31, discovered a love for cycling. So it really is some impressive feat he is taking on.  “I think there will be new challenges every day as we try and keep our bikes and bodies working. We just need to ensure we keep the camaraderie up and are there to support one another. Knowing that we’re doing this for a fantastic cause will hopefully get us through some of the tougher moments.”

He adds that he is looking forward to the journey:  “It’s great to have the opportunity to see some amazing sights and beautiful parts of Britain. I’m also looking forward to being pushed physically and mentally, and having to dig deep at times. But mostly I’m looking forward to finishing and having a nice cold pint at the end!”

Sponsor Joe on his epic bike ride for Momentum: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cycle-lejog2020

You can also hike, run or cycle and choose a target number of Miles for Momentum in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September www.moment-um.org/GoForGold

Main image top: Joe with friends Christian Cooke (Demons and Where The Heart Is actor) and Christian’s brother and talent agent Alexander Cooke.

Read more in our exclusive interview with Joe in September’s Time & Leisure, out from 28 August. Find out why he loved playing the dark Sean Wallace in Gangs of London, how he made it in acting, and his life growing up in Kingston.

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