FIREFIGHTERS will be taking on the challenge to cycle 1,000 miles in four days to raise money for a children’s cancer charity.
Anthony Wilson, aged 38, and Lee Harding, 44, will be getting on the saddle to support the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.
The pair were inspired to take part in the event as both have been touched on a personal level by childhood leukaemia.
Mr Wilson, from Pershore, who works for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We know a family who lost their son through cancer, he was only three. It has touched us a lot.
“The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust was an amazing help to both the child and the family in a time of complete devastation.”
Mr Harding, from Worcester said: “We have both got young families and we understand it is a position nobody ever wants to be in. We wanted to raise money for the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust as it is a local charity and supports local families.”
The pair will be setting off from John-O-Groats to start a gruelling cycle ride to Lands’ End on August 9.
The average time to complete the 1,000-mile bike ride is nine to 12 days, however the pair will be trying to complete the journey in just four.
Mr Harding added: “It has been gruelling – we have spent hours and hours in the saddle.
“Taking on this challenge has been a huge commitment.
“At the moment we are training every day for about an hour and a half and on weekends we go on a five-hour ride. We are planning to increase the intensity soon.
“It is a big a challenge, however, at the end of the day it is four days of suffering, whereas families go through a lifetime of suffering.
“We want to do this so we can make a small change.”
For donations towards the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust and to support the firefighters, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/4day1000milecyclingchallenge
READ MORE:
Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust will host ball to raise funds
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here