On May 14 Great Granddad Ray Sykes from Poringland will begin a 24 day challenge cycling the 900 mile Pilgrim’s Way to raise money for a new Norfolk children’s hospice.
The 900-mile, 24 day challenge will see him navigate rough roads and hairpin bends on his bike, laden with panniers containing everything needed for the journey ahead.
77 year old Ray from Poringland has been inspired to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) after the charity submitted a planning application to build a new hospice in Framlingham Earl, Norfolk.
Ray said: “I will be so greatly encouraged to complete this challenge, especially when struggling up hills in the pouring rain or scorching hot sun, when I think about how much the money raised will mean to EACH and the families they care for.”
Ray, who has 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, has fully embraced the challenge, taking on an intense training programme, including cycling between 20 and 50 miles every day.
In order to make the trip along the volcanic hills of southern France and the foothills of the Pyrenees as authentic as possible he has no back up vehicle, will be staying in hostels along the way and has been listening to language tapes to improve his Spanish.
He is hoping to raise over £1,000 from his efforts to help EACH which provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes as well as at the charity’s hospices based at Quidenham in Norfolk, Ipswich in Suffolk and Milton in Cambridgeshire.
You can sponsor Ray by visiting www.justgiving.com/Judith-Sykes?
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