Press Release issued by Wednesdayite:

Sheffield Wednesday legend David Hirst and former Newcastle United star John Beresford will be putting their pedal power to the test this Autumn when they join members of Wednesdayite for a charity coast to coast bike ride.

The group, which includes Wednesdayite directors Peter Shaw and Dave Barlow, together with volunteers Nigel Short, Julian Batty and Paul Freer, will be riding across the breadth of England from Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria, to Filey on the Yorkshire coast.

The challenge will take place over three days between Tuesday, September 22, and Thursday, September 24, and will raise funds for the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme and The Children's Hospital Charity.

The team are raising funds to help purchase a minibus on behalf of the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme. The bus will be used to transport Sheffield Wednesday's disabled and special needs supporters to home and away games. Additionally, a proportion of funds raised will be donated to The Children's Hospital in Sheffield, to help fund specialist medical equipment.

David Hirst said: "I jumped at the chance to get involved in such a worthy cause. Access to Sheffield Wednesday for our faithful disabled and special needs supporters is essential for the club and I will be proud to help facilitate a minibus for this purpose. I am also extremely pleased that we will be supporting The Childrens Hospital, who we all know do amazing work for poorly children across the region."

Hirsty admits that he has also got a few surprises up his sleeve for the bike ride.

He added: "We may have some other Wednesday legends joining us for all or part of the ride. I think the idea of racing and beating me over certain distances might be particularly appealing to them!"

The footballing stars' bikes for the trip have kindly been donated by CCC Outdoors of Sheffield.

Stuart Woodhams, Store Manager of CCC Outdoors, Sheffield, said: "This is a great example of what outdoor charity events should be all about. A group of people enjoying themselves in the outdoors, setting themselves a challenge and raising money for worthwhile local causes. That's why we're very proud to be supporting the Wednesdayite Coast-to-Coast bike ride."

Peter Shaw, the Wednesdayite director who came up with the challenge idea, said: "It's great to see stars like Hirsty get involved with this magnificent challenge - and for such fantastic causes too.
"As the Sheffield Wednesday Supporters Society, this is the kind of project that Wednesdayite like to get involved with for the benefit of the club and its community."

Simon Athey, Senior Fundraiser at The Children's Hospital Charity, said: "It is great to see that since our partnership with the club was announced earlier this year that Wednesdayite have already taken the hospital under their wing and are showing support for the work that we do.

"The money raised from their challenge will make a real difference to our young patients and their families. We are truly grateful to David, John and the Wednesdayite group and wish them the best of luck for the challenge."

Supporters can sponsor Hirsty and the team by donating online through the Wednesdayite website at www.wednesdayite.com.