Mates biking from Osijek to London to watch England v Croatia at Euro and raise money for Vukovar kids

Igor Toman and Ivica Lenard

Two good friends from the eastern Croatian city of Osijek are about to embark on a new cycling adventure.

Ivica Lenard and Igor Toman are going to cycle from Osijek to London for the England – Croatia match at Euro 2020 for charity. 

Lenard and Toman, who are president and secretary of the Association of Disabled Homeland War Veterans and Volunteers “Hrvatski dragovoljac”, are going to be raising funds for the children of the Vukovarski leptirići Association (Vukovar butterflies).

“Ahead of us is a road of 2000 km, 6 countries, many beautiful landscapes, new acquaintances and finally the renowned Wembley and supporting the Croatian national football team,” the pair said ahead of the charity ride.

The philanthropic duo have been part of many bike charity events. For the past five years they have been organising a bicycle marathon from Osijek to Plitvice Lakes, in honour and memory of the first killed Croatian policeman Josip Jović during the Homeland War.

“Of course, there are still closed borders, COVID-19, isolation, quarantine, vaccines, passports..Now because of all this, we need your support, and so do the children to whom we donate the kilometres traveled. We will be overjoyed on our journey when we read your messages of support that you have sent us along with the donations. Be a part of our challenge and help the children of Vukovar to ensure the continuation of the half-day stay program,” the pair concluded.

Vukovar butterflies

Their goal is to improve the quality of life, medical and social protection of children with disabilities and their families. They operate in the area of Vukovar-Srijem and Osijek-Baranja counties and the Republic of Croatia. So far, they have made childhood better for more than 250 children through various programs. 

You can help support the Mission to London – Help Vukovar butterflies HERE.