Firemen saddle up for ultimate cycle challenge

IN training . . . firefighters David Ogden, Mike Soumelidis Simms, Paul Dixon and Ian Hall at Oldham Fire Station

OLDHAM firefighters are swapping blue lights for bike saddles as they prepare for a gruelling charity cycle ride.

Crew members from Oldham fire station are set to cycle 848 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End over 10 days in August.

And they are hoping pedal power raises much-needed cash for two organisations — Help for Heroes and the Fire Fighters Charity.

Organisers Mike Soumelidis Simms and Ian Hall, from Oldham Fire Station Blue Watch, set the challenge after completing a three-day coat to coast ride last year.

Mike (28) said: “We raised £1,134 by cycling from Connah’s Quay in Wales to South Shields in England last year so this year we were looking for a bigger challenge.

“There are nine of us in the group and we have started training.

“It won’t be easy and we’re not expecting it to be, I’m sure there will be a lot of sore bottoms!

“But the two charities were are cycling for do such a good job we want to raise as much as possible.”

Before they start their ride, the group will spend one day pedalling on a static bike at the The Trafford Centre to raise extra funds.

The group is also planning to hold a car wash and are planning a fundraiser at the Spindles Shopping centre in the next few months.

To make a donation visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/BLOODSWEATANDGEARS2