Thanks on two wheels

MAN with a mission . . . Nigel trains for his marathon

A HOLLINS man is making it his mission to cycle from Royton to Land’s End in aid of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Nigel Caveney (47) was bowled over by the care his late mother Lilian received at the Royton Hospice and decided to set himself a challenge to cover the 400 mile stretch in a week at the beginning of September to boost the Hospice’s coffers by £5,000.

He said: “It is not until you are touched by cancer that you realise what Dr Kershaw’s is all about. My mum was treated with dignity and respect by the wonderful team at Dr Kershaw’s and the same treatment was given to her family no matter what time of day or night.

“I learned just how much it costs to run this much- needed hospice and for that reason, and in memory of my mum, I have chosen to do this bike ride.”

And in preparation for his mammoth cycle, Nigel’s daily six-mile bike ride from his home in Hollins Road to his work at 3663 in Heyside and home again has been replaced by four weekly sessions in the gym and 100 miles of cycling a week.

He said: “I’ve been training for the last two months and can now cycle 20 or 30 miles in one go with no problems, so I’m sure I’ll be ready for it, but it will still be a big challenge.

“My main concerns are not knowing the roads. Getting there without going the wrong way will be a challenge in itself.”

But even more difficult than all the gruelling training was the logistical difficulty involved in planning a journey down to the far end of the country on just two wheels.

“My wife Pauline will be driving near to me at all times with a stock of spare parts and will have to stop at regular intervals to allow me to catch up.” said Nigel. “Then, at the end of it all, I’ll be climbing into the car and she’ll drive me back home.”

Local companies have thrown their weight behind Nigel’s unique charity mission, with Alz Gym, Halfords, Pentagon, Positive IT Solutions, Alloy Bodies Ltd and 3663 all pitching in with sponsorship to help him raise £2,000. But he is still £3,000 off his target and is hoping that generous Oldham Chronicle readers will help him hit the jackpot.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Nigel can do so online at: www.justgiving.com/nigelcaveneycav or phone Nigel on: 0161-345 3507 or 07926 871 129.