KEEN Melksham cyclist Dan Scott was one of seven riders to take part in a 24-hour cycle challenge raising money for two charities, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Epilepsy Society.
The epic challenge was organised by Dan’s brother-in-law Mike Cleaver, a fireman in Devizes.
The 195 mile route took in all 24 of Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service’s fire stations, leaving from Devizes at noon on Friday 24th July and returning back into Devizes shortly before midday on Saturday 25th July.
Dan was part of the seven cyclists who completed the whole 195 miles. Although not a member of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Dan was really keen to take part. He explained, “I wanted to do it to help raise money for the charities. The fire service do an amazing job and the Epilepsy Society is close to my heart because my niece, who is eight, suffers with epilepsy so they have been a support.
“It was a tough challenge. For the fist 14 hours it hammered it down with rain which made it difficult. There were points where I could have stopped, but the morale of the group kept me going.
“I do a lot of cycling so I didn’t have to train for it really. I ride to work and back most days and I’ve done cycling challenges before. But this distance was the next step for me.
“I think we’ve raised over £2,000 now which is fantastic. The money will probably be split between the two charities.
“I would do it again and doing it with a team was great. For the last few miles, legs were tired but we spurred each other on and got to the finish.”
On-line donations can still be made at www.virginmoneygiving.com/cyclewiltshire195