Alan in the pink after charity ride

BRAVE biker Alan Taylor has clocked up a mammoth £2,900 for charity with a John O’Groats to Land’s End ride.

The 56-year-old made the journey on his classic motorbike to say thank-you for the care he received at the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Victoria Breast Care Unit.

He is recovering from bowel cancer, and, unfit to return to work, wanted to do something useful with his time.

He undertook the gruelling 874-mile ride on his pride and joy, a Yamaha XS 1100 Midnight Special, in aid of the Link4Pink appeal, which supports the breast care unit.

Now back at home in Chadderton, Alan said: “It was hard and I’m still recovering, but I had a great time, I really enjoyed it.”

Alan had to contend with traffic snarl-ups and some bad weather on his journey, but still remembers the magic of arriving at Land’s End.

He said: “It was absolutely gorgeous. The sea was just like a mill pond, absolutely fantastic.”

He now intends to boost his contribution to Link4Pink with a fundraising gig on Friday, July 3, at Chadderton Social and Bowling Club.

Punters can enjoy folk rock, Indie music, rock and roll and 60s and 70s hits. “There will be something for everyone to enjoy,” he said.

It is two years since Alan was diagnosed with cancer, for which he had 30 sessions of chemotherapy at the Victoria Breast Care unit after undergoing surgery at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

He added: “I had the best care I could get and I always said that if I came out of it I would give something back.

“If I can support the hospital in any way, shape or form, I will.”

Tickets for the fundraising gig cost £7, including a hot supper, and are available from Alan on 0161-284 3134 or from Chadderton Social and Bowling Club.