- This Sat over 400 BMX bikers dressed as Santa will cycle through London to raise money for children’s charity ECHO - Dad Stephane Wright has raised over £40,000 for ECHO in 2 years following baby son’s near fatal heart attack thanks to BMX FAN community
- Santa BMXers will visit Evelina London Children’s Hospital to give treats to children staying in hospital at Christmas
- This year also special as the BMXers ride in memory of their friend who was killed in a cycling accident in London earlier this year at Central London.

When Tommy Wright was 6 months old he nearly died from a heart attack, but was saved thanks to medical staff at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Tommy’s Dad, Stephane, decided he wanted to give something back – in the past two years he’s raised £40,000+ for charity ECHO – which supports families of children with heart conditions.

How? With the help of retro-BMX lovers! Hundreds will be cycling and doing tricks across London this weekend – Saturday - dressed as Santa in a bid to raise even more money for charity ECHO.

Tommy Wright was only 6 months old when he suffered a heart attack and nearly died. He was admitted to the Evelina London Children’s Hospital in October 2014. Tommy spent four weeks in Paediatric Intensive Care and the High Dependency Unit. Fortunately Tommy recovered well and was able to return home to his parents, Stephane and Karen, and sister’s Caitlin (7) and April (5). However, Tommy will require further operations as he grows up, so will be returning to the Evelina London in time.

The experience was life changing for his parents, Stephane and Karen, who were so grateful to the hospital for saving their son’s life they wanted to give something back. Whilst the Wright’s had a supportive network behind them they wanted to be there for families who struggle when going though similar experiences, which is one of the reasons they chose to support ECHO – the Evelina Children’s Heart Organisation. ECHO is a small charity that helps families of children and young people with heart conditions who are treated at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Over the course of two years Stephane has raised an outstanding £40,000+ for ECHO – with the help of his community - BMX Life. BMXLife sees enthusiasts from all walks of life joining together with a shared interest in 1980’s BMX bikes; sourcing, building and of course, riding. Through BMXLife Stephane has organised various fundraising events – but the biggest have been his BMX Cruises through central London at Christmas and Easter.

The next big event is this Saturday – 17th December 2016 – over 400 BMXing Santas will cycle through central London, starting at Waterloo Station, giving treats to children staying at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital along the way. The group -- including Pro BMX rider James White -- will be BMXing around central London using a mixture of cycle paths and roads on an 8-mile cruise, taking in lots of London’s landmarks including Buckingham Palace. The cruise will end at House of Vans with an after party for all taking part.

Stephane is proof of the good that can come from a period of such adversity – witnessing the near death of his baby son. The fact he has managed to get so many people behind him is testament to this, and he shows no signs of stopping any time soon. A busy Dad of three, he also runs his own business, Stephane is committed to raising money for charity for the foreseeable future.

Sadly Dan ‘Cash’ Stephenson, fellow BMXer and member of BMXLife, was killed cycling on the Strand in London earlier this year. Loving Father of three Dan took part in every BMXLife ride for ECHO and was a committed fundraiser for the cause. Saturday’s ride is also dedicated to the memory of Dan Stephenson.

Stephane Wright said:
“The Evelina saved my little boy Tommy’s life – it was a terrifying experience and we’re so grateful to the medical teams. We wanted to give something back so with the help of my BMXLife crew we’ve built something really special, aiming to raise awareness for the hospital and money for an important charity ECHO – and of course us old schoolers also get to do what we love!”

Samantha Johnson, Chief Executive at ECHO, said:
“Stephane and his team continue to be such fantastic supporters of ECHO and the work we do, we are blown away and so grateful to him and everyone who has supported him. £40,000 + is quite frankly a phenomenal amount of money and ECHO will ensure it is put to good use supporting children and their families.”

PREVIOUS MEDIA COVERAGE:
Stephane’s Easter fundraising BMX Bunny Hop was reported on the 6pm ITV London News, BBC Radio, The Metro and RideUK

• Stephane Wright welcomes the opportunity to be interviewed about his amazing story – to arrange an interview please contact him on 07973 261 649
• We can supply pictures of the event this Sat, and of Stephane, Tommy and the rest of his family – please see attached