Pedal power tribute

Derbyshire Times, UK
Published Date: 06 September 2007
Location: Chesterfield
http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/che...ute.3182949.jp

View GalleryBig-hearted cyclists rolled out on wheels of fortune during a sponsored ride to raise more than £1,400 for Parkinson's disease sufferers.

The Derbyshire Times' staff and friends completed the 83-mile challenge from Bolsover to Sutton-on-Sea in honour of colleague Alan Roberts' late father Harold who was struck down by the condition.

Alan (58), of Valley Road, Bolsover, said: "We're very grateful to everyone who joined us on this ride and to the many generous people who made donations.

"Our team did very well to complete the challenge especially fellow rider Paul Oakland and others who had never done anything like this distance before."

The ten-strong team gathered in more than £1,400 this month from sponsors after they completed the ride in pouring rain in July for the Parkinson's Disease Society.

Riders included Alan and DT colleagues Andy Nunn, Robbie Hague and Kev Bingham, Alan's son-in-law Sean Quigley and friends Kevin Churn, Paul Oakland, Ian Laverick and Lucy Shakespeare.

Some of the team, including Alan, completed the route three years ago and raised £2,414 for Cancer Research.

Chesterfield's JE James Cycles provided repair kits during both rides.

Alan's father Harold was a former Chesterfield FC coach and Second World War commando. Mourners also donated £700 to the Parkinson's Disease Society after he died this year aged 87.

Last Updated: 06 September 2007 5:25 PM