Challenging cycle route to span UK (From Penarth Times)

Challenging cycle route to span UK

A LLANDOUGH resident is set to cycle from one corner of Great Britain to the other to raise money for charity.

David James, 55, of Leckwith Hill, has been on previous charity rides for the NSPCC but has never cycled across Britain.

He said: "I chose the NSPCC because I have always given to this charity by setting up a debit for a donation each year. I am retired now because of an injury which hastened my decision to leave work. On Millennium Eve I snapped my Achilles tendon while playing squash. I could not drive for many weeks which meant I could not work. So now I cycle most days to keep fit."

There will be 20 people in total taking LEJOG Challenge or Lands End to John O'Groats Challenge, which is 1,000 miles.

It will take 15 days to complete the journey and there will be no rest days on the way. The longest distance travelled in one day will be 90 miles and the shortest will be 50 miles.

All funds raised will go directly to the charity.

All money is gratefully received. As an example, £12 pays for one hour's time for a family's care worker and £30 will enable a counsellor on the dedicated helpline to answer and refer a call about a child.

Homerite on Penarth Road initially offered to sponsor David, and then generously decided to kit out the entire team with t-shirts for the tour.

Marketing director of Homerite, Matthew Redwood said: "It is a worthy cause which we're happy to get involved with. Children are our future."

l If you want to pledge £1 to David pop into Homerite, phone Bridget Stadden at the NSPCC on 01443 816752 or phone David on 029 20514 597.