Loss made Newbury cyclist 'all the more determined'

Rotarian completes 972-mile journey for two charities

A NEWBURY Rotarian has completed a gruelling charity cycle ride after being motivated to get back in the saddle following the loss of his father.

Kevin Mosley has wanted to attempt to cycle the LEJOG challenge – 972 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats – for some time.

After nearly 3,000 miles of training since the beginning of 2016, Mr Mosley joined 57 cyclists on the challenge. He was one of 55 to finish.

The route encompassed 972 miles, with a total time in the saddle of 72 hours over 12 days.

Mr Mosley cycled through “pretty spectacular scenery” on his route through England, Wales and Scotland.

But he also had to take in the changing weather – going from warm sunshine on the first day to torrential rain four days later.

It was all for two good causes: Coram Life Education Thames Valley and The Alzheimer’s Society charities, both of which are close to Mr Mosley’s heart.

His father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in early 2013, died after a brief but sudden downturn in his illness just eight weeks before the start of the cycle challenge.

Mr Mosley said: “I struggled initially to remotivate myself to the challenge, but I am glad to say it made me all the more determined to finish and at least raise much-needed funds for The Alzheimer’s Society to help out its future patients and their carers.

“I think we all should feel blessed to live in the UK with all the wonderful scenery that we passed by on our route.”

Coram Life Education Centres Thames Valley is a local charity which Mr Mosley, as a member of The Rotary Club of Newbury, was proud to have helped to establish in the West Berkshire area.

The charity educates children about health and wellbeing, including educating them about drug and substance abuse and healthy eating.

The charity’s mascot, Harold the Giraffe, made the trip riding on the handlebars. Mr Mosley’s efforts have raised a total of £3,717.

Mr Mosley said: “Donations are still coming in and I still hope to get nearer to my £5,000 target before we close the site around Christmas time.”

To make a donation visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MosleyKevin1