Westbury man gears up for charity cycle ride

A WESTBURY man is set to take on a mammoth 305-mile charity cycle ride. 

Richard Taylor who works for Platinum Vauxhall, Trowbridge, will aim to static cycle 305 miles which is the equivalent distance from Ellesmere Port Liverpool to the Trowbridge showroom via the Vauxhall HQ in Luton.

The event is taking place in the Platinum Vauxhall showroom and is starting at 11.02am on Monday 11th November to allow for the Remembrance silence to be observed and is running non-stop through until 5.00pm on Tuesday 12th November.

Richard had previously served 25 years in the army before moving to Westbury with his family two years ago when he left the military. He hopes to raise £5,000 in total across three charities close to his heart. They are Help for Heroes, The Royal Artillery Association and Dorothy House Hospice.

He said, “Every year I try to organise and take part in at least one charity endurance event. These events help me to give back to some of the charities that have helped me and past colleagues over the 25 years I spent in the army –  most of which was spent serving in the airborne forces.

“The aim of organising these events is to provided a good means for raising awareness and just as importantly, funds for various local and nationally recognised charities.”

Many local businesses have supported the event by donating prizes which will be handed out following a raffle. Every person that goes to the showroom during the event and donates will be entered.

Prizes include a signed team cap from a Formula 1 team (both drivers and pit crew), a month’s free membership at any DC Leisure centre,  a selection of various wines and champagne, a selection of beauty products from Acheson & Acheson plus many more prizes donated by Platinum Vauxhall and other local companies.

Donations can also be made online at www.virgin moneygiving.com/team/pedalpowerchallenge.