Jordan next stop for charity riders

Graham Kelly and Rick Hudson.

A lorry driver from Chadderton will swap six wheels for two when he raises money for Marie Curie Cancer Care by cycling through Jordan.

Graham Kelly (35) and friend Rick Hudson, from Audenshaw, will spend a week biking through deserts, fertile plains, historic sites and the shores of the Dead Sea.

They have to raise £2,750 for the cancer charity which helps terminally ill people stay in their own homes.

Graham and Rick will be on their bikes for five days in November, covering 250 miles, and starting in Amman, the capital on October 31.

They will head into the desert and ride past castles dating back several centuries including one used by Lawrence of Arabia, before cycling towards the Dead Sea, passing Mount Nebo, where, historically, Moses was shown the Promised Land.

Then comes a tough climb to the 12th Century crusader castle of Krak, then an overnight camp in Bedouin tents before joining trekkers and horseriders to cross the finish line at the ancient city of Petra.

Graham, a bachelor, said: “I started cycling to get fit because I’m a waggon driver. I started going to the gym, mountain biking and swimming.

“This is the first time I’ve been to the Middle East so this is going to be a real eye opener.

“I needed a push to keep me going and a deadline to meet.”

Rick added: “At the moment we must be barking mad, but just look at the charity, nothing else needs to be explained.”

They are holding a fund raiser for their efforts at Heyside Cricket Club on August 6, including a race night, raffle and an auction. For more details or how to sponsor Graham contact him on 07921 723459.