Great Grandad in his 92nd year taking on North England 500-mile plus cycle challenge to raise funds for Inspire Youth Zone, Chorley
Tony Newton from Heskin, Chorley is in his 92nd year but that is not going to stop him taking on a new challenge in May – a 500-mile plus big cycle trek starting on the TransPennine route to raise funds for St James’s Place Charitable Foundation in aid of Inspire Youth Zone, Chorley.
In addition, St James’s Place Plc will match fund everypound raised by Tony providing grants for even more charities helping children and young people.
This amazing great grandad will be setting off around 10.30am on May 10 from his home in Heskin, Chorley, Lancashire to start an epic challenge as he heads towards Derbyshire. Using a mix of roads and cycle paths he will cross Lancashire and Yorkshire reaching the coast at Bridlington. From there he will head north through Scarborough and Whitby up to Newcastle and then across the Hadrian’s Wall coast to coast cycleway to Carlisle, returning South through Penrith, Shap, Lancaster and back to Heskin around May 22. The route is 523 miles with a staggering total climb of 30,748 feet.
Although Tony will do most of the challenge alone staying in small b&bs to get some rest, he will be accompanied at the start by his wife, Dorothy (88) and other family members, together with friends from Mawdesley U3A Cycling group. In his teens Tony raced on track and road flying the Chorley cycling club banner.
Tony was introduced to Inspire Youth Zone, Chorley by his grandaughter, Hannah, who was so impressed by the facilities for young people. The Youth Zone offers a safe, welcoming, warm and affordable space every day of the week throughout the year packed with a range of activities and opportunities. It has become his chosen charity, and he has already completed three other challenges – two in Scotland and one in France which has already raised £22,652 in the last three years for Inspire Youth Zone, together with £9,985 for St James’s Place Charitable Foundation, a staggering total of £32,637.
The Youth Zone regularly has over 1000 visits each week from young people, many of whom face their own personal challenges. The charity relies on community support to raise the £1.6 million needed each year to keep their doors open.
Tony said: “Cycling through the open countryside is the thing that has kept me going throughout my lifetime. Every year for the past 15 years I have gone on a solo trek for a week or more in addition to the special challenges. I have been cycling since I was five when I got my first bike to cycle to school. I hope my efforts inspire others to stay active and support the good cause which is Inspire Youth Zone."
Grandaughter, Hannah Wotherspoon, said: “We are so proud of grandad for his achievements in sport and fundraising. He shows that age is not a barrier to keeping fit or an obstacle to making a difference. He is a huge inspiration to us all."
Lisa Cousins, St James’s Place Charitable Foundation said: “Inspire Youth Zone does such important work for young people in Chorley — giving them opportunities, support, and a sense of belonging that can make a real difference in their lives. St James’s Place Foundation will also benefit as every pound raised by Tony will be matched by St James’s Place PLC to provide grants for more charities working with children and young people. Tony’s story is so uplifting, and I am sure that his determination and commitment to making a difference will inspire others to take action.”
Follow Tony’s epic challenge on Facebook
Tony Newton 2026 North England 500-mile cycle challenge
If you would like to support Tony and help him raise funds, please visit his just giving page
For more information on the work of Inspire Youth Zone, Chorley please visit https://www.inspireyouthzone.org/ or follow them on social media
For information about St James’s Place Charitable Foundation, please visit