12 year old local boy to cycle to France for Serge Betsen's charity

A local boy of 12 is embarking this Summer on an epic cycle ride from Chiswick to France to raise money for his rugby hero's charity.

William Price plays rugby at Wasps in Acton where he has had coaching from French rugby legend Serge Betsen who was often the nemesis of Jonny Wilkinson in the Six Nations. Serge has his own charity the Serge Betsen academy which helps disadvantage children in Cameroon, the country of his birth. The charity provides educational support, medical help and, of course, rugby coaching. William aims to raise £20,000 for the charity.

Robert and William

William has played at Wasps since he was 5 where Serge, despite his fearsome reputation on the pitch, is hugely popular with the boys as he is always ready to give his time for the younger players.

The epic bike ride will be from West London to the centre of France and will involve a journey of 1000 kilometres in early July. He will be accompanied by a family friend, Robert, aged 65.

William said, "Ever since I was really small I have always loved sport, especially rugby, which I have been playing since I was 5 years old. Thanks to my holidays in Auvergne, in France, every year, when I stay with my friend Robert, I have been able to do lots of cycling. Robert has passed on to me his love of cycling and together, we have pedalled hundreds of miles across the French countryside. Every trip was fantastic!"

William and Robert will cycle unaccompanied and will carry all of their own clothes and camping equipment. William has been sponsored by the company 2 x 2 Worldwide who make Land Rover bikes and have given William a fabulous bicycle to ride to France.

A website has been set up for William with a link to Everyclick where donations can be made. The website is in French and English as they are working to raise money on both sides of the channel.

William said, "My parents call this challenge a real “entente cordiale” and I think they are right!"

May 31, 2011