Duo complete 943-mile challenge for mayor's charities

DESPITE harsh weather conditions and two accidents, a duo completed a bike ride from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Oct 2018, 20:01 BST
Updated 11th Oct 2018, 21:14 BST
Mayor of Fareham Cllr Mrs Susan Bayford and her Consort Alderman Brian Bayford see Mike off on his rideMayor of Fareham Cllr Mrs Susan Bayford and her Consort Alderman Brian Bayford see Mike off on his ride
Mayor of Fareham Cllr Mrs Susan Bayford and her Consort Alderman Brian Bayford see Mike off on his ride

Fareham Borough councillor Mike Ford and his friend Pete Brown took a 943-mile bike ride from the tip of Cornwall to the furthest tip of Scotland to fundraise for the Mayor of Fareham's three charities.

Councillor Ford said: '˜We choose to do this bike ride as it is the ultimate challenge.'

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The pair set out on their 15-day adventure but 11 miles into their first day Mike faced his first accident thanks to the wet weather and was left on the ground bleeding when he caught his front wheel.

Mike and Pete in the Mayors Parlour presenting a cheque for 1,420 to the MayorMike and Pete in the Mayors Parlour presenting a cheque for 1,420 to the Mayor
Mike and Pete in the Mayors Parlour presenting a cheque for 1,420 to the Mayor

The 67-year-old said: '˜I was limping around for a while, but luckily for us we were near a Mcdonalds where I managed to get cleaned up and back on the roads again.'

Close to the end of the ride, just outside Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands, Mike's back wheel buckled which meant the pair, who regularly complete challenging bike rides together, had to take a trip to the nearest bike shop.

Mike said: '˜Unfortunately this cost me a few bob but luckily the town had a bike shop and they did the work promptly.'

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The duo raised £1,420 in under six weeks thanks to their efforts and the money will be shared between current Mayor of Fareham, Councillor Susan Bayford's charities. 

These are Abby's Heroes, which supports families during cancer treatments; Acts of Kindness, that helps people across the south in need; and The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust.

Mike said: '˜Overall everything went well and I felt a sense of achievement but the bike is securely locked up in the shed for now.

'˜We just wanted to do something different and that would help some incredible charities.'

To donate to these charities, please send it to; The Mayor's Office Civic Offices, Civic Way, Fareham, PO16 7AZ.

Related topics:FarehamMcDonaldsMayorScotland