Super League owner set to take on huge challenge for charity

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont is taking on a 600-mile bike ride in support of the charity, Candlelighters. 

Starting on June 23, Beaumont and a team of seven others will tackle the ‘MizMal Challenge’ – a cycling trip from Mizen Head, in the south of Ireland, to Malin Head, in the north, aiming to raise £20,000. 

The challenge will take place over six days and will have a cumulative incline of over 30,000 feet. 

The money raised will go to the Candlelighters charity, a cause that helps support children and their families living with cancer across Yorkshire. 

It is not the first time Beaumont has done an incredible feat for charity, after completing both the Bolton Half Ironman and the NC500, a 500-mile cycling challenge in Scotland, in previous years. 

Beaumont said that the recent reveal that Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell’s grandchild, Clarke, had cancer served as extra motivation for him to complete. 

Speaking to Leigh’s club website, he said: “Candlelighters were there when Daryll’s family needed them. Their work is incredible, and I’m proud to take on this challenge to help them continue making a difference at the toughest of times.” 

Trinity dedicated their recent Super League match to Candlelighters, as the rugby league family came together, as it always does when one of their own is in need, to support Powell’s family. 

The full list of riders taking part in the challenge alongside Beaumont are: 

• Miles Dewhurst – Owner and CEO, Yorkshire Spa Retreat 
• Ed Dewhurst – Miles’ son, taking on this challenge to support the cause 
• Gary Molloy – CEO, Leisure Resorts
• James Gourlay – Managing Director, Leisure Park Solutions 
• Andy Mair – Passionate supporter of Candlelighters

Support Crew:

• Josh Preston
• Tom Knox

Beaumont will see his Leigh Leopards side face off against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan on Saturday, before making the flight over on Sunday to join the rest of the team. The challenge will begin on Monday and will commence for six consecutive days.