A MEMBER of Tameside Rotary has hit the road to raise funds for both his group and a deserving local cause.
A very long road – the road from Land’s End to John O’Groats!
Martin Nield will pedal 1,000 miles from the tip of Cornwall to the point in Caithness, Scotland, over the course of 16 days in September.
And while he endures the conditions that are thrown at him, both Tameside Rotary and Friends of Tameside Young Carers will benefit.
They are arranging a holiday, camping in the Lake District, but need support and the Rotary Club has agreed to match fund money raised to a maximum of £450.
Martin, of Stalybridge and who sets off on Saturday, September 4, said: “I have always enjoyed cycling and this year decided to challenge myself by taking on the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle ride.
“Although I am doing this as a personal challenge, it would be great if I can raise money for charity while I am doing it.”
“As a member of Tameside Rotary, I know the great work that the club does.
“We raise money in a number of ways, which we distribute to worthy causes locally in Tameside and further afield as part of the international rotary organisation.
“I also support Friends of Tameside Young Carers, which raises money to provide treats to the area’s 480 young carers.
“I feel that these wonderful young people need all the help they can get, and if I can swell the coffers by a few pounds I’ll be really pleased.”
President of Tameside Rotary, Angela Robbins added: “We are very proud of Martin and his ambition to do such a challenging ride.
“The first part of his journey he will do alone before meeting a cycling friend mid-way.
“I can only imagine the steely determination to keep going as a solo rider on such a long journey.
“I know his wife Julie will be supporting him at the start of his journey and no doubt FaceTime will prove a valuable tool for him to contact his family each evening and keep his spirits up.”
• You can donate to Martin’s charity bike ride online: www.justgiving.com/campaign/cycle4youngcarers