An Isle of Wight businessman is closing in on his mammoth cycle challenge for charity.
Nettlestone and Seaview parish councillor, Michael Ward, pledged to cycle 4,000 miles to raise £4,000 for Mountbatten.
Speaking about the challenge, he said:
“My family think I am mad!
“I thought how could I put the exercise to better use and I knew Mountbatten had lost Walk the Wight and had to close its charity shops so I thought I should do a challenge to help them out and it has sort of snowballed from there."
So far, Mr Ward has completed 3,306 miles and raised an incredible £3,400.30 (including Gift Aid).
Mr Ward, who runs Ward House, continued:
“Where I run my own business and then go cycling, it is starting to take its toll with tiredness but you get out what you put in.”
Progress has been halted temporarily due to a back-wheel repair at Wight Mountain.
Mr Ward is making every mile count by cycling after work and on weekends, trying to cover at least 100 miles a week.
He added:
“It is tough to keep the momentum going but when you get a donation you get an extra lift as they are important for the hospice, who have lost a lot of money. Every penny counts because it takes me closer to my target of helping the hospice.”
Despite an over-the-handlebars accident a couple of weeks ago, Mr Ward is still physically fit and raring to go, hoping to finish his challenge and fulfil his fundraising target by the end of September — a month ahead of the initial target date.
One of his longest rides to date has been a 51-mile trek to Newport, Cowes, Sandown, Bembridge and back to Seaview.
To donate to Mr Ward’s campaign for Mountbatten, you can visit his just fundraising page here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-Ward47
Royal Duke To Visit As Newport Minster Reopens
Isle Of Wight Council To Support 'No Mow May' 2024
Seaview Pub Picks Up National Award
Isle Of Wight Radio Child Of Wight Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open
Fire Service Issues Water Safety And Mud Rescue Advice For Isle Of Wight
New Online Cancer Support For Local Residents
Specialist Monitoring Equipment Now Installed At Leeson Road
West Wight Runner Jackie Follows PB Marathon Run With Eastenders Appearance
West Wight Pub Can Now Be Listed As 'Asset Of Community Value'
Royal Navy 'Bomb Squad' Called To Seaview Following Ordnance Alert
Automated Gates Arrive On Wightlink’s FastCat Foot Passenger Route
Help Keep Isle Of Wight Streets Neat – Bring Your Bin In
Two Passengers Injured Following Bus Crash In Ryde
Late Night Reports Of Collision Spark Extensive Land, Sea And Air Search
Islanders Taking On London Marathon Today For Local Charities
Four Men Arrested Following Rogue Trader Activities In East Cowes
Rugby Players Set To Scale Great Heights For Teddy
Drug Driving, Domestic Abuse And Stalking Among Arrests Made As Police Target Isle Of Wight Criminals
Work Begins On ‘Monumental’ Mural Project At Historic Columbine Building
More Acts Added To Isle Of Wight Festival Line-Up
