SHIFNAL MAN CYCLES ‘END TO END’ FOR CHARITY

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After months of planning, 42 year-old Mark Spiers from Shifnal, Shropshire is ready to take on the great ‘end to end’ cycle ride to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. Mark and three companions set off for the 136 mile, 14 day marathon ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats on Friday 15 April. Mark joins his friends Andy Lowe, 52, and Simeon Brown, 56, who planned the ride after taking up cycling to work four years ago to get fit. Andy and Simeon now regularly cycle to work at Bupa Care Services in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The riders aim to raise £4k in sponsorship which will then be matched by Bupa Care Services to give a grand total of £8k. Mark, Andy, Simeon and Paul Martin, 61, who lives in France will be ably supported by a team of friends and family, many of whom are also connected to Bupa Care Services. These supporters will carry food and spare parts and meet the riders at hostels and hotels along the route. “We’ve been training together at weekends, doing 45-50 miles day,” says Mark. “So we’re pretty much prepared. We’re aiming to prove that, at middle age, we can still do something beyond what’s expected.” Mark and the riders will report their progress via Twitter and on their website http://web.me.com/andylowe/e2ecyclists/Welcome.html They will also welcome anyone who wants to come along and ride with them for the day, providing they can keep up an average speed of 65mph. “A lot of people have given their support, time and emotional support,” says Andy Lowe. “And the Alzheimer’s Society seems appropriate to raise money for, given our line of work.” Siobhan Drane, Bupa’s community affairs consultant, says: “I’m very proud that our staff are cycling ‘end to end’ for charity. Everyone has been so enthusiastic and the money raised is supporting such a worthy cause, close to the hearts of many staff members and residents within our homes. Good luck to all those taking part!” To sponsor the team, or to make a donation, visit http://www.justgiving.com/cycling-lands-end-2-john-o-groats.