A REDDITCH dad is planning to cycle more than 200 miles across the UK to raise money for children with cancer.
Richard Brake, from Winyates, is pushing himself to the limit and taking part in a 220 mile cross county bike race as part of Rat Race – The Crossing.
Over course of three days, from June 2 until June 4, Richard will cycle from Whitehaven to Scarborough, along waymarked tracks that span through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors – all in aid of charity.
Richard, who was a keen BMX biker for 22 years, said: “I have always done the extreme of things – it’s just something I love. That’s why I wanted to the cross country route – because it’s more of a challenge than the roads.
“I am absolutely chomping at the bit to do it – I can’t wait.”
Self-confessed thrill-seeker Richard has already undertaken physical endurance tests, like the Three Peaks Challenge, and looking forward to the next task has been training hard whenever he can.
“Having an 18 month-old son at home has meant my gym schedule has somewhat changed recently, but with a static bike at home now, I can still train hard and spend time with my family,” said the 34 year-old.
“I lost my mum to cancer two years ago, and I thought doing an extreme event in aid of charity would be really worthwhile.
“I wanted to do something that was less impact that BMX or running, so cycling seemed the natural choice.”
Richard wants to raise at least £1,000 for Children With Cancer charity and to support him visit http://bit.ly/2nOPY8p.
To get his campaign off to a start Richard and his wife, Michelle, have organised a raffle and bake sale on Good Friday (April 14) at Mappleborough Green Village hall between 10.30am and 12.30noon.
Among many others, raffle prizes include £500 towards a family portrait or wedding photography from SilverStar Photographic, an Easter hamper from Something Sweet Candy cart hire and afternoon tea at Nuthurst Grange Country House Hotel and 1950s style dress.
