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EyeRide for Sight

EyeCare America, the public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, is committed to the preservation of sight, accomplishing its mission through public service and education. 

In order to increase awareness and raise support for its mission, a two-month, transcontinental U.S. bicycle trip, EyeRide for Sight, will begin in May 2008.  

 

Four cyclists from the U.K., committed to EyeCare America’s mission of preserving sight, have volunteered their time and efforts to cycle from San Francisco to Washington, DC.  The route will allow them to stop at various points across the U.S. to inform and educate individuals about EyeCare America and its public service programs. The trek is scheduled to kick off on May 7th, 2008 and culminate in mid-July. 

 

EyeRide for Sight cycling team

 

Click here to listen to a podcast interview regarding the
EyeRide for Sight!

 

EyeRide for Sight interactive map

Click on the map below to track the progress of our cycling team as they trek across the country and leave a comment in their guestbook!

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Cyclists Bios

 

 

Tom McClellan - Age 19 (Lead Cyclist)

Tom McClellan 
"EyeRide for Sight, I ride for EyeCare America."

videoClick here to learn more about why Tom is participating in EyeRide for Sight!

Born in Gloucestershire in South West England, Tom is a graduate of Downside School.  At Downside, Tom participated in the Chamber Choir and Jazz Band.  He also played rugby and hockey and served as the captain of the cricket team.  Upon graduation, Tom received the Gregorian Medal, Downside’s most prestigious annual award. 

In 2006, Tom and his classmates Fred and Oliver volunteered with “A Sporting Chance,’ an organization in Cape Town, South Africa that works to give underprivileged children a chance to compete in various sports.  While in Cape Town, Tom, Fred and Oliver had the opportunity to coach hundreds of children in various sports.  In the fall, Tom will attend Trinity College in Oxford to study Classics.

The EyeRide for Sight is a particularly personal endeavor for Tom.  Both his grandparents suffered from cataracts and glaucoma and his mother has diabetes, which also affects her sight.  With a history of glaucoma and diabetes in his family, Tom knows how important it is to have regular eye exams and maintain a healthy lifestyle so that he can preserve his eyesight.

Alex Galvin - Age 19

Alex Galvin
"EyeRide for Sight, I ride for EyeCare America."

videoClick here to learn more about why Alex is participating in EyeRide for Sight!

Born in Ipswich in Suffolk, England, Alex is a graduate of Downside School.  At Downside, Alex played rugby and tennis and served as the captain of the soccer team.  Alex also ran cross-country and participated in the kayaking and badminton clubs.  Upon graduation, Alex was awarded with the Stokes Memorial Prize, given to promising scientists and named the South-West of England Orienteering Champion.  Alex will attend the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to study Math in the fall.

Alex is proud to support EyeCare America to help save the sight of others.  Both Alex’s grandparents suffered from cataracts and his grandmother had age-related macular degeneration.

Ben Leigh - Age 19

 

Ben Leigh

"EyeRide for Sight, I ride for EyeCare America."

undefinedClick here to learn more about why Ben is participating in EyeRide for Sight!

 

Ben Leigh, a London native, is always looking for his next philanthropic endeavor.  Before heading to San Francisco for EyeRide for Sight, Ben spent a month in Africa teaching. 

 

A graduate of Downside School, Ben participated in orienteering and was the captain of the cross country team.  Ben also enjoys kayaking. 

 

Ben will attend Durham University to study History in the Fall. 

Fred Mahon - Age 19

 

Fred Mahon

"EyeRide for Sight, I ride for EyeCare America."

videoClick here to learn more about why Fred is participating in EyeRide for Sight!

 

Recently named South-West of England Orienteering Champion, Fred Mahon, can navigate his way through just about anything.  Born in the World Heritage City of Bath, England, Fred is a graduate of Downside School.  At Downside, Fred played hockey and cricket and was a member of the cross country team.  He also participated in the kayaking and sailing clubs. 

 

In 2006, Fred volunteered with “A Sporting Chance” in Cape Town, South Africa along with Tom and Oliver, providing hundreds of children with valuable skills to successfully compete in various sports.  Fred will attend the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to study History in the Fall.
 

Support Team

 

Ben Hodge - Age 19
Ben Hodge

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Ben Hodge has always had a passion for healthcare.  Recently he worked with Cancer Research Wales to help raise money for cancer research. 

Ben learned about the importance of regular eye exams from his grandfather who suffered from cataracts.  Ben’s grandfather successfully underwent cataract surgery and was able to save his sight.  Because of this, Ben understands the importance of taking care of his eyes.

A graduate of Downside School, Ben played rugby and was the President of the Monkton Society and the captain of the weightlifting team.  Ben also enjoys skiing and is an avid motor racing fan.  Ben will attend Kingston University in London to study Property Management in the fall.

Oliver Lombard - Age 19

Oliver Lombard

 

Oliver Lombard is no rookie to cycling.  The Bath native recently cycled more than 500 miles to Santiago, Spain.  A graduate of Downside School, Oliver played hockey and cricket and served as the captain of the rugby team.  Oliver also participated in the powerlifting club. 

 

In 2006, Oliver volunteered with “A Sporting Chance” in Cape Town, South Africa along with Tom and Fred, providing hundreds of children with valuable skills to successfully compete in various sports.  Oliver will attend Newcastle University to study Economics in the Fall.