John's in the saddle for 250-mile charity fundraiser

John is aiming to raise funds for the local community playgroup in the village which was forced to cancel fundraising events due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

His GofundMe page has set a target of £1,000 but with donations coming in he looks set to easily exceed that figure.

He will set off from Newmills around 4.45am on Thursday heading for Newcastle round the Mournes, then towards Belfast, round the coast road up to Coleraine and then head for home.

“As like many charities due to Covid-19 the playgroup had to cancel fundraising events. Newmills Community Playgroup use funds raised during the year to purchase materials, equipment and to fund trips for the children attending the playgroup,” said John, a member of the Square Wheelers Club.

He stresses that all the money he raises will be going to the playgroup for the benefit of next year’s children and for children in years to come.

His wife, Christine, who is a committee member, suggested that he could cycle to raise funds for the playgroup, which his son Ethan attends.

John has been cycling since 2014 and has done several long cycles in the recent past, mainly over 100 miles. A few weeks ago he did 200 miles in preparation for this cycle. “I’m reasonable used to what kind of strategy to follow over that kind of distance,” he explained.

He will have no back team, apart from Christine and the family who plan to meet up with him along the route at Newcastle, Larne and Portstewart as the day unfolds.

A few of his friends are planning to cycle up and accompany him back to Newsmills in the evening (he’s hoping to be back at 9.30pm). His GPS will be on, so Christine will know exactly where he is if he should get into difficulties.

John is hoping for a still and overcast day for the cycle. “When I was doing the 200 miler a couple of weeks ago I got soaked going through Clonoe,” he recalled.

But regardless of the weather he is looking forward to being out on the road and raising funds for such a worthy cause. “Every penny is valued and appreciated by myself, playgroup leaders and by everyone in the Newmills Playgroup Committee,” he said, thanking everyone who has supported him.

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