'The bad times will pass, and you can get through them': meet the woman cycling 900 miles between football stadiums in memory of her dad

Rachel Anderson, a 32-year-old footballer and cycling novice, is undertaking an extraordinary 900-mile journey across the UK, cycling between all Premier League and Women’s Super League football stadiums. This gruelling challenge is a tribute to her late father, Mike, who passed away from Motor Neurone Disease two years ago. Both avid football fans, Anderson’s ride aims to raise funds for Motor Neurone Disease research, honouring her father’s memory while testing her own endurance on the bike. Despite only taking up cycling six months ago, Anderson has shown remarkable resilience and determination. She has already visited iconic stadiums such as Lee Bridge, Anfield, Sunderland, and Newcastle, with a particularly emotional visit to Old Trafford, home of her beloved Manchester United. Her passion for football was ignited as a child attending matches with her father, and that early experience continues to fuel her motivation throughout the ride. Anderson’s background as a footballer has helped her adapt to the physical demands of long-distance cycling, even overcoming initial fears about tackling challenging terrain like the Yorkshire Dales. Throughout her journey, Anderson has encountered both physical and logistical obstacles, including knee pain, adverse weather, and difficult route choices. She has relied on digital tools like Komoot to plan and connect the stadiums, although not without a few unintended detours, such as an unexpected tunnel ride that resulted in a run-in with police. Nevertheless, the support of her family waiting at rest stops provides a vital emotional boost, reminding her of the cause behind the challenge and the personal significance of each mile. Anderson’s reflections on the ride reveal a powerful message about perseverance and hope. She acknowledges the tough moments—riding through rain and fatigue—but emphasises that these “bad times will pass,” reinforcing her belief in overcoming adversity. While she admits to feeling exhausted and reluctant to see her bike again for now, she hints at future ambitions to expand her cycling adventures beyond the UK, possibly taking on stadiums across Europe. Her campaign not only honours her father’s legacy but also raises awareness of a devastating disease with no current cure, inspiring others through her determination and passion.