Cycling the length of Spain: A British father's mission for his daughter's future
Graham Caldow cycled 1,000km across Spain in 30 days to support the charity that helped his daughter find work
Hove resident, Graham Caldow, has just completed a remarkable challenge: cycling the length of Spain to raise funds for Team Domenica, a Brighton-based charity dedicated to helping individuals with learning disabilities secure meaningful employment.Inspired by the support his daughter, Betsy, received from the organisation, Graham embarked on this 1,000-mile (1,609 km) ride from Tarifa in the south to Bilbao in the north. "They have made a huge difference in her life," he said.
Team Domenica, established in 2016, has successfully placed 80% of its candidates into paid positions through its internship programme. Betsy, who has additional needs, benefited from this initiative and now works at the Mercure Hotel on Brighton seafront. Reflecting on her experience, she shared that before joining Team Domenica, she felt "very nervous," but the charity equipped her with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in her role.
Graham set himself the goal of completing the ride in 30 days. "It is a long way, and the terrain can be tough," he admitted. "It is also the loneliness of actually cycling every day." But he remains driven by his cause, saying, "It is a chance to think about where we are as a family and the next steps for my daughter."
Now he has crossed over the finish line, Graham says the community's support has been overwhelming. Donations to his JustGiving page have poured in, funding one-on-one mentoring sessions, job coaching and enrichment activities for Team Domenica's candidates, services which are crucial for building resilience and confidence among young people with additional needs.
His efforts not only raise funds but also highlight the transformative power of community support and determination. For those interested in supporting Graham's mission and learning more about Team Domenica's work, further information is available at www.justgiving.com/graham-caldow
Image: Graham Caldow
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