Yesterday, at a special chequered flag event at the iconic biking venue, The Bike Shed, in London, renowned actor Charles Dale celebrated the completion of his 3,200-mile fundraising motorcycle challenge.
Our Ambassador Charles, who is currently filming the BBC’s new Bergerac series, visited 103 motorcycle cafés around England and Wales in just 22 days, to raise money for Brain Tumour Research and Headway, the brain injury association.
'Shaun’s TT 100' challenge was inspired by the devastating impact of brain tumours and brain injuries on close friends and colleagues, including the loss of Charles' best friend Shaun Griffiths, who died from a bleed on the brain after a fall.
Charles was also inspired by the stories of Coronation Street co-star Bill Tarmey, whose son Carl died of a brain tumour, as well as fellow actor and Ambassador Craig Russell, who underwent surgery to remove a meningioma two years ago.
Having raised more than £7,000 for the two charities, Charles said: “Seeing the devastating impact brain tumours and brain injuries have had on my friends’ lives has been awful. I have been honoured to meet the most wonderful human beings; their generosity, emotional stories and support is breathtaking. As an avid biker, there is nothing quite like the biking community for its welcome and care.”
Talking about the event, he added: "Yesterday was special. It felt like family. Shaun was definitely there with us.”
Charles was joined at the celebratory event by fellow Patrons Alfie Boe and Danny Clarke, alongside other famous faces from the biking community, including Emmerdale and Casualty actor Ian Kelsey, content creator Man Cave Moto, and Ian and Nicky Wilson, owners of the UK-based motorcycle clothing company Roadskin. Also present was Saffron Wilson of Motorcycle News (MCN). The publication championed Charles throughout his challenge, covering his epic adventure across a four-page spread.
Our Brain Tumour Research family was there to show our support, including CEO Dan Knowles (pictured above) who said: “We are enormously grateful to Charles for helping to drive the much-needed change that brain tumour patients and their families so desperately deserve.”
The event was captured by BBC London for its evening news programme, which will be aired in the next few days.
There is still time to donate and help Charles’ fundraiser hit the £10,000 goal.
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