Former Hull FC stars take on gruelling challenge to raise money for local charities

A number of former players will cycling from the MKM Stadium to St Helens next month in order to raise funds and awareness for local Alzheimer’s and dementia charities.

The Ex-Players Association are aiming to raise around £5,000 for local causes having seen a number of former Hull players and coaches diagnosed with a form of dementia in recent years, including Royce Simmons, who coached the Black and Whites during the 90s. Simmons is still remembered fondly in Hull for what he did during his time at the club, famously running five marathons in five days to raise the money required to sign Des Hasler.

As such, his dementia diagnosis has inspired the group to tackle the lengthy route between the MKM Stadium and the Totally Wicked Stadium, the home stadiums of the two Super League clubs he coached. Setting off on Thursday, May 12, they will cycle over 100 miles across the country along the Trans Pennine Trail to Merseyside in time to catch the Super League clash between Hull and St Helens on May 13.

The challenge will take place just a couple of days before Dementia Awareness Week gets underway on May 15 and the money raised will be shared amongst local charities and groups who work alongside those suffering from dementia. The Ex-Players Association have produced special shirts for the bike ride that can be bought online, here.

Amongst the former FC stars taking part will be Jon Aston, Dean Busby, Matt Schultz, Richard Fletcher, Craig O’Donnell, Steve Crooks and Keith Tindall, some of whom played under Simmons during their time at the Boulevard. Aston was offered his first professional deal by Simmons and he has been in touch with the Australian to let him know about the ride.

“My friend Kevin Gray, who is one of the