TONY O’Connell, a volunteer with Bradford Baby Bank and the Anchor Project, recently returned from cycling more than 320 miles in four days from London to Paris to raise funds for these two local charities.
That’s an average of 80 miles per day - so for a 72-year-old who only started road cycling last year, it was a challenge, especially the 90 miles and 5,000ft of ascent on day one.
Tony cycled for two Bradford charities (Image: Tony O'Connell)
Tony began volunteering with the grassroots charities during the pandemic. He says: “As we all know, lockdown was a very strange time. I needed something to give me routine, to give me a focus and boost my mental health. I searched for things that I could do, and both Bradford Baby Bank and the Anchor Project interested me because of their positive non-judgemental approach, their ability able to respond swiftly and directly to any requests that come in, and their focus of helping people in need.
Tony in training for his two-wheel challenge.
“Being involved inspired me, gave me a purpose and I wanted to give back by raising money to help them to continue their day-day work. So I signed up to the challenge, created a JustGiving page, which meant I had to do it!”
Tony spent several months training for the ride, but being Bradford-based, there was plenty of opportunity to tackle ascents on a regular basis. “I definitely had an advantage in developing stamina and climbing hills,” he laughs. “But that first day was hard. Even with signposting and support, riding a very hilly and unknown route posed a real challenge. “However, it certainly showed me I could do it, and my determination to complete the ride was reinforced.”
'Donations and comments inspired me to keep pedalling,' says Tony. (Image: Tony O'Connell)
Almost there...Tony approaching the Eiffel Tower .
There was a hitch a couple of weeks before the ride, when Tony noticed that the crossbar on his bike had developed a crack. “I did feel a bit of panic, I admit, thinking that maybe I wouldn’t have it fixed in time,” he says. “But hats off to Carbon Wasp in Horsforth who went all out to repair it. Both charities supported me throughout the training, and sent lots of messages of support.”
“We were so amazed and excited when Tony announced his bike ride,” says Vickie, a volunteer with Bradford Baby Bank. “Through his work with Bradford Baby Bank, he’s visited many homes where families are facing nothing short of destitution. We knew that, with every mile he cycled and every pound he raised, those families were foremost in his mind. “With Tony’s help, we’re able to collect and deliver much needed practical resources across Bradford; money raised will bring more help and support to young families who desperately need it, as we head towards the colder months.”
Bradford Baby Bank supports babies and children across the district with essentials such as warm clothing, nappies, toiletries, safe sleeping spaces and prams. The charity works hand in hand with health visitors, midwives, social workers, and schools to ensure help reaches families quickly. In 2025, it supported over 1,600 families, and the need continues to rise.
Indi, Project Co-ordinator for the Anchor Project said: “I couldn’t believe it when Tony, one of our amazing volunteers, offered to cycle from London to Paris to raise funds for us - what a star! Of course the funds make a huge difference to us, but so does the encouragement we feel from knowing someone is prepared to take on such a challenge to support our work.
“The money Tony raises will be used to support our drop-in for sanctuary seekers by providing food and other essential items and contributing to the overall running costs. Thank you Tony - completing your cycling challenge will in turn help to support people facing many other challenges in life.”
The Anchor Project offers a safe space for marginalised people including refugees and asylum seekers. It supports local needs with helpful, practical assistance; basic food, clothes and essential items; a hot meal and friendship for isolated elders; and enables people to improve their wellbeing, skills, knowledge and resilience.
The space fosters pride in people and their community and creates joy in groups of people from different backgrounds chatting, sharing an experience, and having some fun together.
Says Tony: “I was blown away by the encouragement of all those who donated via JustGiving. I was hoping to thank everyone personally, but unfortunately the tech didn’t allow me to do that - so I’d like to do it here.
“Donations and comments inspired me - despite aching legs and very early mornings - to keep pedalling until I was in front of the Eiffel Tower. Being presented with the medal was quite emotional. It felt a tremendous achievement, not just the ride, but being able to raise £6,000 to divide between Bradford Baby Bank and the Anchor Project.
“Oh, and also because I was the oldest rider in the group!”
l Tony’s JustGiving page is still open for donations - go to www.anchorprojec.org.uk and scroll down to the link.
l Bradford Baby Bank is looking for volunteers to help out. Anyone wanting information can contact Vickie on 07737 234418.