FORMER Formula One and Indycar champion Nigel Mansell paid a visit to the Youth Federation in Rossmore on Monday, as part of his team’s national cycling challenge.
Nigel has swapped horse power for pedal power in a bid to raise £1m for UK Youth, the charity of which he is president.
Nigel was accompanied by his two sons Greg and Leo, as well as ex-Tour de France cyclist Magnus Backstedt and professional cyclists Ian Williams and Susan Williams, for the visit.
The national bike ride fundraiser, which takes place across 1,200 miles in 13 days sees the group cycling across the UK while visiting projects and centres designed to improve opportunities for children.
While at the Youth Federation, Nigel talked to a group of youngsters from the Positive Activities for Young People programme.
Nigel said: “This is UK Youth’s centenary year and I want to do something really exciting to mark it.
“We are one of the largest youth charities in the UK and every day we challenge young people to do all sorts of new and exciting things in order to raise their aspirations and realise their potential.
“So I want to do something demanding as well and in doing so encourage everyone to be more supportive of young people at a time when they are suffering more than most in the recession.”
Following their visit, the cycling team headed toward Blackpool.
To track the cycling team and to donate, visit the challenge’s website www.nigelmansellcyclechallenge.co.uk.
