Scott Walker, Head of Retail at Lotus achieved his 50-50-50 charity challenge – 50 miles, on a 50 year old bike in his 50th year.
Riding a Raleigh Chopper around the Lotus test track at Hethel Norfolk on Sunday 09 October 2022, Scott lapped the 2.2 miles track 22.7 times in 5 hours 54 minutes, with a fastest lap of 10 minutes 37 seconds at a speed of 12.43 mph. The Chopper Challenge has already raised £3,497 for the two charities Lymphoma Action, and The Care for Life at Home Fund in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Support Group.
Clive Chapman, the son of Lotus co-founders Colin and Hazel Chapman, started the riders at 0900 with a traditional flag-drop start. 20 Lotus colleagues, many riding vintage or retro bikes joined Scott throughout the day to add moral support and encouragement; the weather was a typical Autumn day, sunny, chilly with a strong southerly wind which, with the test track being oriented north to south, meant half the lap was against a 20 mph wind. At the end of the challenge, Martin Donnelly (Ex Team Lotus F1 Driver) was on hand to wave Scott through the chequered flag.
Scott Walker said, “Riding a Raleigh Chopper for 50 miles was a great personal achievement as I’m not a cyclist, and it’s a bike that is not designed for great distances in comfort. I am extremely grateful to all who supported, I thank everyone that has generously donated, and thanks to those who rode with me at various stages providing the moral support, and the slipstream in the strong headwind! I am also grateful to Lotus for providing the Lotus Test Track which was the best location and facility for this challenge.”
In the summer of 2013, Scott Walker, Head of Retail Operations at Lotus Cars, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After six months of extremely intensive chemotherapy, Scott made a complete recovery and has been fortunate to remain in good health since receiving an all clear in 2019.
Scott has so far raised £3,497 for Lymphoma Action, and The Care for Life at Home Fund in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Support Group. Established 2007 in memory of Sarah Hepworth (daughter of Lotus founders, Colin & Hazel Chapman) this local fund supports palliative care in the home.
Scott said, “For anyone, the diagnosis of any cancer is worrying – I am grateful to Lymphoma Action for their support before, and during my treatment and so I’d simply like to give something back. I deeply admire the work of The Care for Life at Home Trust that
operate in association with the Priscilla Bacon Lodge here in Norwich. Just weeks after her 50th birthday, my mother lost her fight against cancer whilst in hospice care and I’m keen that we can raise as much money as possible for two very worthwhile charitable organisations, that for me, are very close to home”.
To support you can still also donate via Just Giving TEAMS page, noting that due to platform limitations there is a separate team for each of the two charities, so please feel free to donate to either charity, or split your donation between both. https://www.justgiving.com/team/scottchopper
