Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE) senior design technician Martin Hallam is getting the wheels in motion for a bike ride this weekend to raise £1,000 for charity.
The two-day ride will take Mr Hallam 190 miles from DTE’s branch in Andover to his home town of St Austell, Cornwall to raise money for Cancer Research.
He was moved into action by the death of his partner’s grandfather, David Lewis, who lost his battle with cancer on Christmas eve last year.
“It was really frustrating seeing David so ill and not being able to help him. I just wanted to do something. After feeling so helpless I realised that I could make a difference by raising money to help others,” said Mr Hallam.
“My friends, family and colleagues at DTE have been incredibly supportive – my Mum raised £150 from her choir colleagues alone, and DTE has provided my cycling shirts.”
A keen cyclist, Mr Hallam started cycling seriously four years ago, and tries to get out on his bike every evening. In preparation for his expedition, he even braved this winter’s heavy snow, getting on his bike in the freezing conditions two or three times a week.
The journey should take two days, and Mr Hallam will be greeted by a welcome party in his local pub, The Harbourside in Charlestown, St Austell.
“It’s a very hilly journey, and I’m expecting (or hoping for) the weather to be nice – it could potentially be very hot! It’s certainly going to be tough, and will be a real challenge for me. I’m hoping people will dig deep and donate; if we can make the slightest of differences then it will be well worth it,” he said.
To sponsor Mr Hallam, go to www.justgiving.com/martin-hallam.
