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ON yer bike... Simon McRoyall is in training for his epic ride

Art teacher Simon unfazed by epic ride

CHARITY cyclist Simon McRoyall will swap his painting palette for a pair of wheels when he makes the mammoth journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Hulme Grammar School’s head of art will embark on his epic journey during the summer holidays in his biggest cycling challenge to date.

The 1,000-mile solo ride will take Mr McRoyall 14 days to complete, covering between 55 and 90 miles a day. He aims to raise £1,000 and will stay at youth hostels along the way.

The 55-year-old already cycles 30 miles each night from his home in Lees to build up stamina, but plans to double that and more as the big day approaches.

He said: “I am coping with the training fairly well at the moment so I’m confident I will be able to do it. I used to be a runner and I’ve kept myself fit playing sport, but it’s still a big challenge and I’m quite excited about it.”

Donations will go to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, which he said was a prominent and worthy local cause, and The Africa Project, which supports a Ugandan Primary School twinned with Hulme.

It pays for education and treatment in neglected tropical diseases among the poorer community.

“I’ve always fancied doing Land’s End to John O’Groats, so I thought I might as well raise some money as well,” added Mr McRoyall.

Sponsors can choose which cause they want to support, either Dr Kershaw’s via the website at www.justgiving.com/simonssolosycle or the Africa Project by calling the school on 0161-624 4497.