Cool FM team to cycle from Paris to Banbridge
Three of Cool FM’s best-known voices are swapping the studio for the saddle this September.
Pete Snodden, Paulo Ross and Rebecca McKinney will cycle almost 800 miles from Paris to Banbridge. Their aim is to raise more than £100,000 for our work supporting children and young people across Northern Ireland.
It’ll be their toughest fundraising challenge yet. They’ll spend six days cycling through France, England and Scotland before crossing the Irish Sea and finishing in Banbridge.
And they won’t be taking a break from their day jobs. The trio will still broadcast the Cool FM Breakfast Show live every morning along the way!
A challenge with personal meaning
For Rebecca, the challenge has a very personal meaning after her father sadly passed away six months ago. He loved sport, including cycling, and always encouraged his family to step outside their comfort zones.
Rebecca is determined to complete every mile in his memory.
“This challenge is about so much more than cycling,” she said.
“Dad was passionate about all sports and always encouraged us to push ourselves outside our comfort zone, so I know he’ll be with me every pedal stroke of the way.”
“If completing this ride helps make life a little easier for children and families who need support, then every hill, every ache and every mile will be worth it.”
Their biggest challenge yet
The Cool FM team are no strangers to a tough fundraising challenge. Four years ago, they paddle-boarded across the Irish Sea. Then, in 2024, they climbed Slieve Donard while broadcasting throughout the ascent.
However, Paris to Banbridge will take things to a whole new level.
Paulo, who recently completed an Ironman in Austria, came up with the idea. As the team’s resident fitness enthusiast, he was keen to find a challenge that would push all three presenters to their limits.
Pete and Rebecca don’t consider themselves cyclists. Even so, they’ve thrown themselves into Paulo’s training plan.
That means spin classes, static bike sessions and increasingly demanding road rides as the challenge gets closer.
Raising £100,000 for local children
The team hopes to raise more than £100,000 for Cash for Kids Northern Ireland.
Every pound raised will stay local. It will help us support children and young people affected by poverty, illness, disability, additional needs and other difficult circumstances.
Our grants can fund essential items, specialist equipment, valuable experiences and opportunities that families may otherwise go without.
Pete said: “This isn’t simply a cycling challenge. It’s a true team effort involving our support squad, our listeners and the businesses backing us all the way.”
“It’s 800 miles of determination, community spirit and pedal power, all with one goal: giving local children and young people the brighter future they deserve.”
Powered by Omexom
The challenge is being powered by Omexom UK & RoI, part of the global energy infrastructure organisation Omexom. Sports specialist Decathlon is also supporting the team with cycling kit and equipment.
Omexom is already a valued partner of our charity and has supported campaigns including Mission Christmas.
Steve Mosley, Head of Communications at Omexom UK & Ireland, said: “At Omexom, we’re proud to support organisations that make a genuine difference in the communities where we live and work.”
“Cash for Kids is a charity that has been changing young lives across Northern Ireland for many years. We’re delighted to be powering Pete, Paulo and Rebecca’s biggest fundraising challenge yet.”
“Taking on almost 800 miles while continuing to broadcast live each morning is an extraordinary commitment. We hope their determination inspires businesses and the public to get behind the campaign.”
“Every donation will help ensure more local children and young people receive the support they need, when they need it most.”
Meet Zac and Alex
Two remarkable young people joined the presenters at the challenge launch at Cool FM’s City Quays studios in Belfast.
Zac Cooper, 15, has complex needs and requires round-the-clock care. His family has received support through Cash for Kids grants over the past five years. Four-year-old Alex Chambers suffered a severe brain haemorrhage when she was 18 months old. She has also received vital support to help her overcome huge challenges.
Their stories show the difference local donations can make to children and families across Northern Ireland.
Sponsor a body part
Businesses can help kick-start the fundraising by taking part in a silent auction with a difference. They’ll have the chance to sponsor different parts of the presenters’ bodies, from their quads and knees to their soon-to-be saddle-sore rear ends.
Schools, businesses and community groups can also join the journey by organising their own virtual cycling challenge.
To find out more about getting involved, contact ni@cashforkids.org.uk.
