Speedo Mick passes through the Vale

THE fundraising phenomenon that is Speedo Mick passed through the Vale last week – raising a few eyebrows on the way.

Mick wears his Speedos no matter what the weather, although the Vale treated him kindly and he avoided any downpours or unseasonably cold weather.

Speedo Mick, real name Michael Cullen, is a Liverpudlian who, after experiencing hard times himself when he was younger, devotes his time to raising funds for his Speedo Mick Foundation.

Speedo Mick, real name Michael Cullen, is a Liverpudlian who, after experiencing hard times himself when he was younger, devotes his time to raising funds for his Speedo Mick Foundation.

When passing through towns and villages within the Vale, Speedo Mick was cheered and waved at by well-wishers, and tooted by appreciative and astonished motorists.

Carol Morgan from Llantwit Major could not resist stopping Mick and having a snap taken with the fundraiser. To show her own appreciation she presented the fundraiser with chocolate.

Making comment to the Glamorgan Star, Carol said: “The photo was taken on the A48, between Pentre Meyrick Cross and Cowbridge turn off. The bar was reportedly reluctantly relinquished by hubby John.

“I’m hoping that Speedo uploads the video he took, because I actually had my African grey parrot, Clio in my backpack who swore at Speedo at least 3 times, telling him where to go – laughing whilst telling him. I think she wasn’t impressed by his Everton knickers.”

The foundation’s mission statement is to “…support charities and groups that are engaged in showing compassion and understanding to young people, as we believe that having a difficult upbringing or childhood, for whatever reason, does not have to define your future.

“In fact, we believe the opposite and given the right support and encouragement and by showing them compassion and understanding, we can help them believe in themselves so that they can make the right decisions as an adult.

“We hope to guide them in the right direction so that they do not make the same mistakes I did in my life.”

His 2,000-mile ‘Giving Back Tour’ began on May 31 and is scheduled to last five months. On that journey, Mick has been donating cash that has previously been raised to various organisations, at the same time as raising cash for future donations. For more information on his charity, visit The SpeedoMick Foundation website.