Novice cyclists ready for charity test

READY Members of staff from the Serocor Group are taking part in a 300-mile fundraising ride

Today, 11 brave cyclists will begin a gruelling 300-mile challenge to help improve the lives of sick children.

And they have set themselves a £20,000 fundraising target for Winchester children’s hospice Naomi House and Jacksplace.

The team from Havant-based business Serocor Group have three days to complete their task.

Luke Dunford is one of the cyclists involved, and explained a visit to Naomi House has given the team all the motivation they need.

Mr Dunford said: ‘The majority of us didn’t own a bike when we started training. There are keen cyclists among us, but for most of the team this is all going to be very, very new.

‘The furthest I’ve ridden so far is 88 miles, so 300 miles over three days is a big challenge, but an experience we’re all looking forward to.

‘We’ve been over to visit Naomi House to see the work that is put in there on a daily basis.

‘What we are doing pales into insignificance in comparison to the work which takes place there.

‘It’s what we saw on that visit which will provide the motivation when we are in a dark place.’

Mr Dunford is joined by Alan Betteridge, Andrew Vaughan, Justin Chambers, Lauren McDonald, Mark Channon and Mike Gawthorne for the challenge.

Paul Malinson, Richard Burgess-Kelly, Simon Lawton and Tom Hickling complete the cycle team with Andrew Mealey, Andrew McDonald, Hollie Hall and Kimberley Harvey making up the support staff.

They will take in a route starting from Havant and stopping off at London, Slough, Oxford, Winchester and Bournemouth.

A stop-off at Naomi House is scheduled into their plans before returning to Havant on Friday, where they will be greeted by Conservative MP for Havant Alan Mak and Lord Mayor, Councillor Leah Turner.

To support the fundraisers, visit the City Cycle 300 team’s Virgin Money Giving page.