FW duo saddle up for charity – Right Said Fred style
Phil Clarke (left) and Phil Case © MAG/Philip Clarke Two Farmers Weekly journalists are swapping their keyboards for Lycra this weekend as they tackle a 55-mile charity bike ride from London to Brighton – dressed as 1990s pop duo Right Said Fred.
News editor Phil Clarke and chief reporter Phil Case are taking on the challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK – and they’ve shaved their heads to channel the iconic bald brothers behind the 90s hits Deeply Dippy, Don’t Talk Just Kiss and I’m Too Sexy.
“The resemblance has been pointed out before,” explains Mr Case. “So we thought, why not lean into it and have a laugh while raising money for a brilliant cause?”
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The pair say they have also been inspired by the many fantastic charity endeavours they regularly report on from the farming community.
“We see so many farmers doing amazing things for good causes,” adds Mr Case. “We just thought – it’s our turn.”
Personal motive
For Mr Clarke, the ride carries personal meaning.
“I’ve lost several close friends and family to various forms of cancer in the past five years – and now my dear wife is undergoing treatment too,” he says.
“The outlook is positive, but cancer is a cruel disease that takes far too many, far too soon.
“Cancer Research UK does vital work improving treatments and survival rates – it’s a cause close to my heart.”
On yer bike…
The London to Brighton ride takes place on Sunday 14 September, with thousands expected to take part.
Phil and Phil have already smashed their £1,000 fundraising target, but are hoping to raise even more for Cancer Research UK, which supports more than 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses working to prevent, diagnose and treat more than 200 types of cancer.
“We’ve been blown away with how generous people have been so far,” they say.
“We all know someone who’s been affected by cancer, so if you can spare anything, big or small, it would mean the world. Don’t hold back. We’re not!”
If you wish to contribute, visit the JustGiving web page.