Charity, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on July 29th, 2025 | return to news

Teenager to cycle 2,600 miles for therapy centre in Poole

The Beehive Activity and Therapy Centre in Poole and the Injured Jockeys Fund are to benefit from Tom Dunlop’s challenge.

A teenager is to cycle over 2,600 miles around the UK, visiting all 60 Great British Racecourses to help fund a hydrotherapy pool for Diverse Ability’s Beehive Activity and Therapy Centre in Poole.

Tom Dunlop, 19, will also be raising money for the Injured Jockeys Fund.

He was inspired to raise money for The Beehive as his Godmother’s son, Ollie, has Angelman’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe physical and mental disabilities. Ollie has attended The Beehive for many years, where he is able to take part in activities he enjoys, access physiotherapy and receive the support he needs.

Alexandra Meyrick, Ollie’s mum, said: “The Beehive gives Ollie something truly precious: purpose. That’s not easy to come by when you live with such complex needs. The centre provides more than just care — it offers dignity, joy, and a sense of belonging. We are eternally grateful to the team there. They are exceptional — it takes not just skill, but compassion, patience, and deep understanding to support someone like Ollie and all the others who use this invaluable service. What they offer makes such a difference.

“For The Beehive, the donations will contribute to their hydrotherapy pool fundraiser as water is Ollie’s true love. Accessible and safe swimming pools are sadly scarce so this will be a great addition to their centre. Regular swimming will not only be beneficial to Ollie and the others but will bring huge amounts of joy.”

Dunlop has so far raised £10,000 towards his fundraising target of £60,000. He said: “During my gap year I wanted to challenge myself and raise money for the two charities. Having travelled to New Zealand, Hong Kong and South Africa, it is now time to give something back. I am now going to cycle to all 60 Racecourses in Great Britain starting in the south on the 27 July at Newton Abbot, travelling as far north to Perth then down and across to Ffos Las in Wales, finishing on 28 August at Newbury racecourse.”

Follow his journey at givewheel.com/fundraising/7283/toms-big-bike-ride or find out more about The Beehive at diverseabilities.org.uk/the-beehive-centre.