TWO local cyclists are gearing up for their ‘Long Neigh Up’, a challenge in which they will ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for charity.
Ed Coleman and Julian Morris will commence their nine-day unsupported cycle ride on the 8th July. With less than 2 months to go, training is going strong as is the fund raising – donations to date have already exceeded £1,000.
The 900-mile cycle ride is being completely self funded so every penny raised will go directly to Macmillan Cancer Support and Spinal Research. This enormous fund-raising cycle challenge is largely motivated by ill health and misfortune which struck those close to the two riders
Ed explained, “Our close friend and cycling companion Shaun was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. He was a founder member of our informal cycling group known as the White Horse Riders who go on regular Sunday rides over Salisbury plain and through the Wiltshire countryside.
Sadly Shaun recently lost his long-term battle with kidney cancer on the 16th April. He will be remembered not only for his never give up attitude, before and during his fight against cancer but most of all his friendship. He has been and will continue to be missed on all our rides, but is still with us in spirit. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family at this most tragic time.
Macmillan Cancer Support provided support and comfort to Shaun and his family. We have chosen to support Macmillan Cancer Support to help others affected by this terrible illness.”
“Sam Puttick was just 16 months old, when he was involved in a terrible car accident. The injuries he incurred to his spinal-cord meant he was unable to feel or move from the neck down and was dependent on a ventilator for his breathing. In May 2009 Sam contracted meningitis, and he died at home aged only five. Sam’s parents Neil and Kazumi could not live without him, and took their own lives shortly after. Having known the family we were deeply moved by the sequence of events that lead to the family’s tragic end, and wanted to do something to offer hope to those in the same situation as dear little Sam.”
In addition to the impressive amount of sponsorship from friends and family, the ride has also attracted the support of a few national companies. Halfords have kindly donated luggage racks and bag to carry the pair’s kit; they are also collecting in their recently refitted Trowbridge store in the build up to the ride.
Jamie Brown, Trowbridge store manager said, “As Macmillan Cancer Support is Halford’s chosen charity of the year, we endeavour to support as many local people fund raising as possible and as Edward and Julian have chosen to cycle the very challenging Land’s End to John O’Groats, I was more than happy to support their fund raising efforts. From all store colleagues in Trowbridge I would personally like to wish Edward and Julian the very best of luck for their July challenge. And of course, we send Shaun’s family our very best wishes.”
The cyclists are very keen to hear from any other companies who would like to sponsor the campaign, and particularly welcome any local companies. Business sponsorship packages start from as little as £20. Ed said, “We have seen a large increase in the number of visitors to our website and are receiving a lot of interest in our campaign. We hope to have a number of guest cyclists join us for various stages of the ride, which will help boost our fund-raising potential – we will be giving more details of these cyclist once confirmed.”
To find out more about the campaign, sponsorship opportunities, to make a donation or follow the progress of the two cyclists visit www. longneighup.co.uk, or call Ed on 07971 298214.
