A GRANDFATHER is hoping for more downs than ups as he takes on a charity cycle in support of a lifelong friend.
Roger Harrison will be riding from Land’s End to John O’Groats as part of the LeJoG challenge.
The dad-of-two is currently a governor at Wilmcote Primary and he is hoping to raise around £2,500 for the school’s Parents’ Association.
And Roger, who retired last year, paid a visit to pupils to show off his route and bike as part of the Church Road school’s road safety cycle awareness week.
He told the Observer: “For almost as long as I can remember, I have thought about cycling from Lands End to John O’ Groats and now, instead of just talking about it, it’s going to happen.
“Together with another friend, John, we have mapped out a route which is scenic, quiet and with as few steep hills as possible – that’s the plan anyway.”
The challenge is expected to last up to three weeks and while the 66-year-old is anxious about completing the ride, he says a lifelong friendship will help inspire him along the way.
He added: “I should have been cycling with Tony – a close friend for the last 50 years – but his cancer is taking him steadily downhill and not on his bicycle.
“Tony’s decline is a strong reminder to make the most of every opportunity and the LeJoG ride is certain to have lots of memorable ups and downs.
“To help provide that extra motivation for the toughest stages I will be raising money for Wilmcote School, to support the project for an improved, all-weather, outdoor activity area.
“Having small grandchildren brings home how important such facilities are to their development and I hope in completing the challenge, I can not only make Tony proud but also give something back to the youngsters.”
Visit https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/crogerharrison to donate.
Donations can also be handed in at the school or cheques made payable to Wilmcote School Parents’ Association sent to Wilmcote Primary School, Church Rd, Wilmcote, CV37 9XD.
