Pedal power: Sarkies cycles from London to Amsterdam to support RSBC
In September 2025, Sarkies, an 85-year-young cyclist, set off on a not-so small challenge - to cycle from London all the way to Amsterdam to support children and young people with vision impairments. On his visit to RSBC's Life Without Limits Centre in London, our central office which features a media suite, learning hub, a fully accessible kitchen and a large flexible space for group activities, he spoke to us about what motivated him to fundraise in this way.
His confidence boosted by this trip’s success, he decided he wanted to take on a new challenge – cycling from the UK’s capital city to the Netherlands’ capital. While it would be a longer route in terms of distance, it would be flatter and a little kinder on the legs.
Sarkies says, “I didn’t have a specific charity in mind when I was thinking about which cause to support this time around. I just wanted to help people who might be facing harder lives than my own.” After a bit of research and a phone call, he came across RSBC and learned more about the challenges blind young people face, especially around independence, social connection, and confidence. His choice was made.
Cycling has been part of Sarkies’ life for as long as he can remember, starting out with a tricycle aged just two or three. By 16, he had his first proper racing bike, a classic Claude Butler, and over the years, he’s added to his collection so that he now has three in total. Sarkies says, “I wouldn’t describe myself as a professional cyclist, just a passionate one!” He’s got one bike just for touring, and it’s become his companion for these long-distance adventures.
Sarkies is someone who doesn’t claim to be an expert on vision impairment, he just feels lucky to be healthy and mobile, and wanted to use that gift to support others. Learning how many blind and partially sighted young people never get the chance to live independently or experience a meaningful work life really moved him. If cycling could help in some small way, he was all in.
The journey to Amsterdam took him through his first stop of the trip in Dartford, from there to dover and up through France and the coastal route through Belgium staying in the wonderful town of Ostende. His journey finished with a ride through scenic stretches of the Netherlands. And while Paris had its challenging hills, this time the ride was smoother thanks to flatter roads and, thankfully, fewer climbs.
Sarkies’ desire in life is to help people, doing what he can for those less fortunate than himself. We here at RSBC are extremely grateful for his support.
RSBC's Community and Events Fundraising Manager, Matthew, commented: "What Sarkies has accomplished is astonishing. His heroic effort of cycling from London to Amsterdam is nothing short of pure inspiration and dedication. We are greatly honoured that Sarkies has chosen to do this on behalf of RSBC and the children and young people who rely on our support! He is a true representation of what it means to live a life without limits. A huge congratulations and thank you for your support."
Julie Davis, RSBC CEO commented: “I'm in awe of Sarkies! I love to cycle, but I’m not sure I could complete such a rigorous challenge myself. We're delighted that he selected RSBC as his charity of choice, and all funds will be used to support our children, young people and families when they need us most. We're so grateful, and offer our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Sarkies on such a fabulous achievement!"
If you're feeling inspired by Sarkies' story, please donate to his fundraiser here: Sarkies Stephen is fundraising for Royal Society for Blind Children