Truckers turn to pedal power for charity
A DETERMINED team of cyclists have travelled to Scotland so they can pedal the entire length of the British mainland to raise money for a children's charity.
A DETERMINED team of cyclists have travelled to Scotland so they can pedal the entire length of the British mainland to raise money for a children's charity.
The six-man team, five riders and a support driver, will set off from the country's northern extremity at John O'Groats later today.
They hope to complete the 1,000-mile journey to Land's End, at England's southern tip, in 10 days.
The aim is to raise �5,000 for the East Coast Truckers, a Norfolk convoy which takes children with special needs for a day out at the seaside every summer.
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Team members are Vince Butler and Richard Rogers from Great Hockham, Bob Hannam from Dereham, Neil Lake from Bridgham, John Hewson from Watton and Dave Connett from Bury St Edmunds.
Two of the riders, Vince and John, are members of the East Coast Truckers and used to drive together for Securicor Omega Logistics, so were particularly keen to raise money for the charity in its 25th anniversary year.
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Their team-mate Bob Hannam said: “Three of us have done it before, but there are two guys who haven't - they are pretty fit though, so they're OK about it.
“I've always been quite charity-minded, and I talked myself into the last ride - but when it is for children it is always special.”
The age range of the riders is from 40 to 63, but Bob, a 57-year-old hypnotherapist, said the gruelling journey might take its toll on the elder statesmen of the team
“It is not like cycling round Norfolk,” he said. “You have one hill and then within a very short distance you have another one. Some of the younger guys manage that quite easily, but for us older ones it is a bit more of a challenge.
“John O'Groats and Land's End are godforsaken places, but it's very satisfying when you finish.”
To sponsor the riders or follow their planned daily blog, visit www.milesmakesmiles.co.uk
