Just before the month of March turned with the clocks into April over 30 Truants — a charity organisation established by Maiden Manager Rod Smallwood some 16 years ago, completed an epic cycling challenge through the neighboring countries of Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Battling epic heat, rough terrain and challenging border crossings the group finally, exhaustedly arrived in the lush natural splendour of Victoria Falls, Zambia.  More importantly, the group led by Rod but also including FC Eddie-tor ( & President of the Heavy Metal chapter of Truants!) & Phantom Management’s Dave ‘Shacky’ Shack — which raises money for Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff & Robbins, Childline, and Save The Children — has already reached its initial, huge fundraising target of a £500,000 for the ride.

To date, through a combination of charity challenges, events, auctions as well as the efforts of its offshoot organisation the Heavy Metal Truants, the Truants Foundation has raised over £6 million for kids and young people.

“The Truants & Heavy Metal Truants is all about people coming together for a common cause to help children and young people,” says Rod. “It’s a special thing to see people from so many backgrounds and walks of life making the commitment. It’s been a very special but tough ride in a truly spectacular part of the world & will really make a difference to our charities to receive this money when we hand it all over in May at our Gala Dinner.”

If anyone would like to support Rod & the Gang they can do so by clicking here – or if anyone would like to actually join the HM Truants they can sign up for this year’s HMT Ride to Download and pedal to glory! Every single penny donated by you goes equally to the 4 childrens charities – Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff & Robbins, Childline, and Save The Children. Each Truant pays 100% for the costs to do the ride.