An Exeter City father and son will be embarking on an incredible cycling challenge in April to mark his 50th birthday - and love for the Grecians!
Nigel Hawker will be celebrating his 50th birthday in April, and for 45 of his 50 years has been a solid supporter of Exeter City, just like his father and grandfather before him. Nigel is a season ticket holder on the Big Bank and has been a Trust member from day one.
Nigel is looking to give something back to Exeter City for the many years of excitement, enthusiasm and frustration of following them over the years: and so in these difficult times is starting a Football Fundraiser by embarking on a mammoth challenge to cycle from Exeter to Blackpool Tower in time for the City game against Blackpool on Good Friday.
Football has always been a major part of Nigel’s life and he fondly recalls his first away game at Reading in November 1992 where City won, with full-back Scott Hiley scoring his first ever league hat-trick for City. Other highs were games against Everton, Norwich, Villa and Sunderland and who could forget the visits by City to Old Trafford and Anfield.
But there were also lows and Nigel vividly recalls the last game of the season in 2003, when despite beating Southend 1-0, Exeter City were relegated to the National Conference.
Apart from riding his bike during his teenage years, Nigel is a “non-cyclist” so to prepare for this trip is going to be really tough but to support him along the way will be his son, Toby, who is also a City season ticket holder and Trust member – a fourth generation City supporter
Nigel is a somewhat sedentary driving instructor whereas Toby is a more agile roofing contractor but both are training hard on the road and in the gym in order to be able to complete this FIVE day 340 mile strenuous challenge.
Nigel and Toby are raising funds for two causes close to our hearts: the Exeter City Supporters' Trust and the Adam Stansfield Foundation. The Supporters Trust plays a vital role in sustaining our fan-owned club. Meanwhile, the Adam Stansfield Foundation works tirelessly to promote healthy recreation for children and young people in our region, providing grants and facilities to encourage participation in football.
Every donation, no matter the size, will be split evenly between these two organisations, helping to ensure the future of Exeter City and the opportunities for young people to enjoy the sport we all love. Please consider contributing to this cause and join Nigel and Toby in making a difference!
Donate here: https://gofund.me/6adf82611