A CYCLIST has returned triumphant from a gruelling 12-hour cycling challenge – smashing his fundraising target of £1,000 for a charity set up by his neighbours, in memory of their daughter.
Local man, Paul Winchcombe, took part in the time trial in Wales earlier this month, raising over £1,100 for Evie’s Gift, the charity set up by Bryan and Patsy Glover, whose daughter, Evie, died in January after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Paul cycled 252.368 miles in 12-hours, giving reason for further celebration as this was a new personal best and also a new record in his age bracket (55-59) for his cycling club, Chippenham and District Wheelers. The previous club record had stood at 240.392 miles and was set over 30 years ago.
Paul said, “Well firstly my massive thanks to Paul Freegard for supporting me throughout the day – without him I could not have completed it. I stopped six times in all for about four minutes each time to fill water tanks, eat an interesting mixture of pork pie, ambrosia rice pudding and Coca Cola, but didn’t suffer as a result from the gnawing feeling of emptiness which gels leave you with.
“I must also give my thanks to the supporters, marshals and organisers for an excellently-run event.”
The money raised by Paul will help Evie’s Gift offer support to families whose children have been admitted to hospital with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions. More information about Evie’s Gift can be found on their website: www.eviesgift.org.uk
