Trio of cyclists return from tour of UK
04 July 2008
A TRIO of firefighters have arrived back after a 1,000 plus mile cycling trip from Lands End to John O'Groats.
Apart from a few sore muscles and a few grazes from falling onto sharp gravel roads in high winds, Andy Titmuss, Lee Forster and Dave Porter have completed their mammoth cycle ride relatively unscathed.
The Stanground firefighters agreed to use nothing but pedal power to travel the length of the UK, in a bid to raise cash for The Fire Fighters Charity, The British Heart Foundation and Parkinson's Disease Society.
At present they have raised £1,261, but they are hoping last minute donations could see the total rise to £1,500.
Dave said: "It feels great to have raised money for three charities which are close to our hearts. We didn't have the best of weather, but the knowledge we were doing this for a worthy cause certainly made us dig deep and get on with it.
"We would love to push the total amount raised passed the £1,500 mark, and are calling on the support of the residents of Cambridgeshire to help us with our target."
Throughout their journey, the firefighters averaged around 65 miles a day for 15 consecutive days, cycling in high winds, rain, mist and even the odd sunny day.
Andy Titmuss, said: "The ride was tough, but the last seven months of intensive training really helped us to keep our legs cycling round.
"I think the most difficult moment of the trip was cycling uphill through the Yorkshire Dales against 50mph head-winds. It's times like that when you just have to put mind over matter and get on with it."
Lee said: "Even after the intense training that we have completed, it was still a shock to the system to be cycling around 65 miles a day for 15 consecutive days. As firefighters, we have to be physically fit, but after these last seven months, I think we're all in the best shape that we have been for years."
To give the cyclists a last minute boost to their total charity fund, call Andy on 07886 890838 or visit one of the following Just Giving sites:
