Tour to France- Raith Rovers website

Raith.net

Pushing pedals for McCrae’s Battalion is the task facing RaithTV’s David Hancock as he takes on a challenge to cycle from Stark’s Park to Contalmaison in France this summer.

July 1st 2016 will see the Centenary commemorations for the Battle of the Somme take place in the French village of Contalmaison. These will mark the contribution made by McCrae’s Battalion which was named the Sporting Battalion as it included football players and supporters of Raith Rovers, Hearts, Hibs, Falkirk, Dunfermline Athletic and East Fife.

David shared that, “having chatted the idea over with Major Tait MBE (Chairman of the McCrae’s Battalion Trust) when I interviewed him for RaithTV in October last year I am now committed to cycle the 670 miles to the French village arriving for the memorial service.”

On behalf of Raith Rovers, Tom Phillips (Director) commented “The Battalion are an important part of Raith Rovers’ history and we have been proud to show our respect through our ‘RemembeR’ away strip for the past few years. This sponsored ride extends our links and it is also exciting to see one of our supporters represent the club in such a positive manner.“

David’s voice will be recognised by many as part of the RaithTV team providing game time commentary and match day manager interviews. Raithrovers.net caught up with Manager Ray McKinnon who added, “We wholeheartedly support David in his efforts and encourage our supporters to donate to the fundraising efforts. It’s a big ask but with good planning, training and support he can definitely do it.“

David’s planning and preparation can be followed at: https://coaltownvelocity.wordpress.com/sponsor-me/

while donations can be made at: https://www.givey.com/mbtcycle

It is with thanks that we acknowledge the sponsors who have helped so much to make the event possible: fosterplus.co.uk, Leslie Bike Shop, the Raith Rovers Community Foundation; Jim McMillan Club, Raith 200 club, Raith Trust, Rovers down south and Raith Rovers supporters club.

Fosterplus

Keen to add their support to the Business partners who have came forward so far are Fosterplus, Foster care services who; recruit, assess, train and support Foster carers who look after young people unable to remain in the immediate care of their families of birth.
The Agency covers Scotland and England with local offices in Dundee, Edinburgh, Hamilton, Pailsey and Ayr. Established in 1996, Fosterplus has extensive experience of working with local authorities to provide a positive and stable family environment for children and young people who have had a difficult start in life.
Fosterplus works nationwide with a wide range of carers across England and Scotland, who are all committed to ensuring that looked after young people receive the very best support and care in a positive, safe environment where they can thrive.

Their mission is to: Provide positive & stable family based environments for the children and young people placed with our carers. We aim to ensure that with the support of our carers they can thrive emotionally and academically.
“Everything is focused on ensuring we can give children and young people the chance to live in a family setting where they’re valued, encouraged and given exactly the support they need to reach their full potential.

We bring together social workers, education, health and support professionals to provide holistic care for all of the children and young people we place. We work to create innovative types of foster care that lead the way in the sector.

To support its carers Fosterplus provide support 24/7. It’s our aim to be responsive to the needs of every child, and every carer in those families. It’s vital to us that every one of them has a voice. The high-quality training, support services and rewards we offer make sure everyone who fosters for us has the resources they need to rise to the challenge”

Head of Operations for Fosterplus Scotland Geoff Armstrong commented; I heard about this cycle through my own staff and we immediately saw an opportunity to acknowledge our respect for the debt we owe all to those who made such sacrifice on our behalf. In fact we have direct experience of supporting young people who have chosen to explore a career with the Armed Forces after leaving our care. With regards the sponsorship we know David is taking on a big challenge and we will be proud to see the Fosterplus name on his kit as he makes his way to Contalmaison. Good luck

Contact Fosterplus