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Menston cyclist to tackle 1,000-mile challenge
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| Ged Walker - to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats |
A conversation over drinks in a pub prompted Menston man Ged Walker to take on the ultimate' cycling challenge.
For Ged, 31, is about to embark on a 1,000 mile trip from Lands End to John O'Groats - along with four fellow cyclists and drinking buddies.
In just ten days, the five men - dubbed the Famous Five' - hope to cycle from one end of the country to the other and raise £10,000 for various charities. They are due to embark on their trip next week and are currently seeking more sponsors.
Ged, who lives in Derry Hill, Menston, has spent months training for the event, which he says will be the adventure he's been looking for.
He said: "I needed a challenge. I turned 30 and thought what have I done with my life?'. I got chatting with my pals in the pub about it and we decided that we would all take on the challenge together. I'm quite nervous about it, but I'm glad to have my friends there to boost my spirits. We will all help each other out and I know we will do exactly what we set out to do - we are all very determined."
Ged is raising money for Cancer Research.
He said: "Cancer touches nearly everyone's life in one way or another eventually. I haven't had any personal experience of it, but I know plenty of people who have and I want to support Cancer Research because they do such vital work."
For the past few months, Ged has been cycling all over the Yorkshire Dales in preparation for the event.
He said: "The Dales are an excellent training ground because they are so hilly. On Saturday I did over 100 miles and another 70 miles on Sunday. I'm hopeful that I will manage the trip pretty well."
The group, which includes Sheffield man Pete Broomhead, James Hill from Norwich, David Cooke from Abbots Bromley and Gavin Beat from Marsden, will be staying at youth hostels along the way.
Ged, who works as a Youth Arts Co-ordinator for Art Works in Bradford, said: "We are funding the trip ourselves so that whatever money we raise goes straight to charity.
"For me, the trip is taking the place of a summer holiday. Still, it's a small sacrifice to make. I just hope people will support me."
The 1,000 mile trip will be made up of daily cycles of around 100 miles.
The other charities being supported by the men include Alzheimers Society, Afrikids, St Nicholas' Hospice and the International Glaucoma Association.
Anyone wishing to follow their journey online can visit their website at endtoend08.co.uk.
If you wish to sponsor Ged go to justgiving. com/gedwalker.
7:21am Friday 16th May 2008
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