A BRATTON man is nearing the end of a gym trek challenge to run, cycle and row the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats – and back again.
Paul Bryant, a coach at Westbury Youth Football Club, has so far completed 1,809 miles of the 1,824 challenge with the final miles set to be completed in early November. He began his challenge in January and set himself a target of completing it by the end of 2014.
He has raised almost £1,300 and will be completing the final 15 miles of the challenge on Sunday 2nd November by cycling from the Dynamik Bodyz gym in Westbury where he has completed the challenge to Dorothy House in Winsley where they looked after his late father-in-law James Lane.
He said, “I found the challenge one of the most difficult challenges I think I have ever done. Completing mile after mile after mile, week on week on week, has been very tough – especially with a very busy work schedule and obviously things going on in my private life.
“Cardiovascular type of workouts is not something I have been used to in the past so it was pretty tough but completing it has a very satisfying feeling, especially with the money that people have generously donated.
“I have to admit that I did cycle the majority of the distance on the stationary bike in the gym, just sitting on that bike hour after hour after hour.
“The toughest part of the challenge was the schedule whereas I wanted to complete certain distances in certain weeks, but having distractions from family health issues that needed my attention at certain times. Another very difficult part was when I reached only half way – that was from John O’Groats to Land’s End at 912 miles – then I realised I had to do it all over again. That was mind blowing.
“I have never done anything like this before so I had no idea what to expect with regards to donations for my challenge. But the incredible response that I had has been overwhelming and the generosity of family and friends have been very much appreciated.
“I am very grateful for everybody who has generated from the smallest amounts to the much larger. To more than double my initial target is incredible”
If you would like to sponsor Paul, visit his Just Giving Page: www.justgiving.com/bryboy1965
