Home Page Haverhill News

Gerald Blakes lifelong ambition to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats has been brought forward since his sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Gerald's sister Susan Edwards is now recovering well from the illness and even plans to join her brother on a leg of his 1,000 mile trip, starting from Land's End on March 23rd.

Gerald, 48, who hopes to complete the ride in 16 days, is raising cash for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity. He has a target figure of £1,000 but is hoping to double that.

Gerald, of Hudson Close, Haverhill, will be taking time out from running his tow bar and alarm business and although he has done many charity rides in the past of aroiund 50 miles, this will be by far his biggest challenge.

His wife Debbie and Steve Reid will be manning his back-up vehicle and Gerald wants to thank them as well as sponsors who have already pledged £460 in on-line donations.

"I will probably throw my bike away when I get back. I did not want it to be too warm so I thought I would do it earlier in the year. I think it is going to be quite hard, but it is something I've always wanted to do but never found time. Back in November 2005 my sister, who lives in Bishops Stortford, was diagnosed with breast cancer and this gave me the push to realise my ambition.

"I have always been a keen supporter of this charity, having raised money for them before, undertaking bike rides which are around 50 miles, so taking on the challenge of 1,000 miles is no mean feat.

"I am sure there are many people out there with a mum, wife, daughter, sister, nan or a friend who have suffered from breast cancer - every pound raised will further research into prevention and treatment of breast cancer," Gerald said.

Anyone wishing to sponsor him or make a donation can do so online at www.justgiving.com/geraldblake or contact him on 01440 710858 or 07950 030058