In Loving Memory of
Charlie Craig
About Charlie
Charlie was a special boy who went to sleep on Friday the 20 January and didn’t wake up, he was 15.
He left his family and friends in a state of shock and an incredible hole in our hearts.We miss him more every day. Those of you who knew Charlie, will understand what a talented young man he was and what a wonderful, caring, kind, funny, smiley personality he had.
Charlie loved his bike, riding ,racing and touring.He also loved having fun with his friends,meeting people,challenges,taking photos and films,cricket,fishing, his friends and his family.He also had an extremely creative mind ,whether it was drawing as a child, design or textiles.
Charlies recent achievement was winning two rounds of the cyclo cross national series and taking the title of the series champion.He was very proud and happy.Charlie took his achievements and losses with a smile and ready for his next event.His constant want for life and what it had to offer sometimes had us in a whirlwind.We loved every minute.Charlie was looking forward to a trip to Austria in the summer, to compete in the youth European championships.
Charlie had experienced Belgium Cyclo cross racing and was eager to return.
Charlie had the ability to communicate with anybody regardless of their age or interests, he had time for everyone.That is something we hope we can all learn from this special boy, he had time, patience and smiled constantly.He had a passion that most of us may never experience, he loved life.
Official Statement
Please click the following link to read our statement on following Charlie’s inquest.
Photo © Andy Whitehouse
Ride For Charlie
Application Criteria
Our aim is to support young off road cyclists,who are or would have been inspired by Charlie to follow in his pedal strokes.
Our vision is to allocate funding to self motivated young individuals, who will be appraised for eligibility by the trustees.
EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS
Each year We aim to support 2 teams to take part in the Youth European Mountain bike championships .Please write to us before the 30 march with your request.
Contact via our rideforcharlie email and state:
• Your team members,
• Estimated cost of travel and entry fees.
• Your motivation behind applying and why this will be good for you and your team.
We will let the successful teams know during April. Decisions will be made by all trustee members. We will acknowledge emails as we receive them. However, if you do not hear from us please contact us again.
Mountain Bike/off road
All other Mountain Bike /off road experience applications (except cyclo cross) will be open from 1st January – 1st August (midnight) age 14-23. Monies will be reviewed and allocated to applicants on an individual basis. This may be to improve your future opportunities in the sport or simply to experience an adventure. Charlie loved adventure and a challenge. We look forward to hearing about why the opportunity to experience these things would be valuable to you.
Cyclo Cross
We would like to hear about your inspiration, ambitions and passion to experience Cyclo Cross in Europe. All applicants wishing for rideforcharlie support for the cyclo cross season must apply to us between the following dates.
1st August to the 5th September (midnight)
All successful applicants will be informed of their awards during October. This allows us to look at all applicants, however each will be awarded on an individual basis.
All monies will be allocated on the criteria and funding available for that current year.
Conditions on acceptance of funding from Ride for Charlie.
All applicants who are allocated funding from Ride for Charlie must adhere to the following *conditions:
- All monies allocated by Ride for Charlie will only be used by the applicant (or their guardian if under 18).
- No funding will be transferred to a third party (unless previously approved by Ride for Charlie).
- All monies allocated by Ride for Charlie will be used solely for the purpose outlined in the application e-mail.
- Any surplus funds after completion of the event/experience, or as a result of cancellation, will be returned to Ride for Charlie.
- All applicants will be able to produce receipts amounting to the total funding allocated by Ride for Charlie.
- All applicants will be able to provide a brief summary of their event/experience outlining how the Ride for Charlie funding has been of value to them.
- All applicants must be resident in the UK.
*By accepting funding from Ride for Charlie you automatically agree to the above conditions.
Also we ask for approx. 50 words summarising what and how the rideforcharlie award has benefited you, plus a picture. This is to be sent to rideforcharlie email allowing us to put it onto our website. Please can this be done as soon as possible so we can keep the website updated. Any problems please let us know.
We have a supply of stickers for your bikes and wrist bands which show your support for RFC and C-R-Y (Cardiac Risk in the Young)
If you would like to know more about CRY please visit their website.
A rideforcharlie jersey will be supplied if the applicant wishes to ride in it, we have a small stock of jerseys.
Please read our website which talks of our successful funding to young people, and tells you about our lovely Charlie.
Some of you will have memories and friendships of Charlie and some will only read about him. Please remember if you are wearing a rideforcharlie jersey you are representing Charlie and do so with a smile.
We love to hear of all your enthusiasm and excitement as Charlie would of been so proud of each of you. We wish you all lots of happiness in your adventures and thank you for writing to Charlie’s fund.
Exceptions can be made in particular circumstances to applicant dates but we feel we can manage this much better if these dates of application are applied. Purchases of RFC t shirts , jumpers and Big Bobble Hats can be made on the website. www.rideforcharlie.com
Charlie loved adventure and a challenge. We look forward to hearing about why the opportunity to experience these things would be valuable to you.
Our selection criteria
- Aged 14-23
- Are applying independantly
- Can clearly outline how any support given will assist them in progressing/achieving in sport
- Can provide evidence of a plan/pathway and produce feedback of progress
- Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Charlie.
Application Criteria
Dates:
Please observe the opening and closing dates for all application windows.
In order to fulfil our selection criteria, exceptions cannot be made.
Late applications will be welcomed, upon re-submission, during the next application window.
Where application opening/closing windows are not specified, applications will be assessed by The Trustees – on a case-by-case basis, at the time of application and in order of the date received. The Trustees will close applications for that season/discipline once budget or application numbers are fulfilled (whichever occurs first).
We understand that an unsuccessful or late application can be disappointing. However, we must implement selection criteria in order to remain fair to all.
Good luck with your application – we love to read about your ambitions and hear how you have been inspired by Charlie.
We would love to hear your inspirational story and how you enjoyed and lived for Charlie
