Ratcliffe: Speed Cycle 'A Fantastic Cause For A Fantastic Man'

Everton and Wales legend Kevin Ratcliffe is urging supporters to fully back the Speed Cycle this weekend.

A group of cyclists are visiting each of Gary Speed’s former clubs en route from Newcastle United's St James’ Park to Goodison to raise funds for Everton in the Community's proposed mental health facility, The People's Place.

“It’s not just a fantastic cause, it’s in memory of a fantastic man,” he said. “If something positive can come from something so tragic then it’s very, very worthy of supporting.

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“Gary’s passing touched everyone involved in football at every level and if part of his legacy is the new People’s Place building by Goodison Park then I am sure every Evertonian will be behind this brilliant fundraising initiative 100 per cent.”

Speed was Ratcliffe’s paper boy when he was growing up in north Wales and the Everton captain through the glory years of the 1980s always took a keen interest in the younger man’s career.

“I knew he was an Evertonian and I was delighted to see him go on to have a fantastic career,” he said. “I played against him a few times when he was at Leeds and everyone could see his quality from a young age.

“We were together in Welsh international squads, too, and he was always likely to captain his country one day. 

“Gary’s passing was unbelievably sad and I wish the cyclists all the very best this weekend as they fundraise in his name.”

For more information about The Speed Cycle, click here. Or to learn more about The People’s Place, click here.

To make a donation to those taking part in The Speed Cycle and to help support Everton in the Community's The People's Place, click here.