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Over the last couple of weeks I have been mulling over the idea of setting myself a new physical challenge to improve my physical health and mental wellbeing, a challenge that I have never attempted before! I soon decided that I would cycle (off road) a certain distance in the month of June and that distance was to be 300 miles.

After mentioning this to a friend he suggested that I linked this challenge to a charitable fundraiser which got me thinking….

Some of you will know that my dear old Dad unexpectedly passed away in February this year, the cause of his untimely and sudden death was recorded as (a) Acute Plaque Haemorrhage (b) Coronary Artery Atheroscelrosis (aka Coronary Heart Disease/ Hardening of the Arteries)

In honour of my Dad I would like to raise awareness of Coronary Heart Disease, raise funds for HEART UK -  THE CHOLESTEROL CHARITY and dedicate this challenge to his memory. I have also ramped up the challenge slightly so it is more fitting as a personal tribute, I will now be cycling 555km (345 miles) which is the exact distance from my Dads birthplace of Maguires Bridge in N. Ireland to Tamworth, Staffordshire where he resided for the last 50 years of his life.

My hope is that this challenge/fundraiser will raise awareness of this deadly disease, which is caused by the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits (called plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries, and often goes undetected until it is too late but if detected early enough can be treated which usually involves lifestyle changes and, if necessary, drugs and certain medical procedures.

So onto the challenge!! – I will commence on the 1^st June on an MTB taking to off road cycling trails and woodland tracks and aim to have completed the 555km distance on or before the 30^th June.

As a 52 year old, recently diagnosed with high blood pressure, who has lived a sedentary lifestyle for the last couple of years since retiring from football, I feel that this is a challenge that will test me but believe  it is still achievable, I will post occasional updates on social media to show what stage of the challenge I am at

I hope to raise a total of £555.00 for Heart UK to aid their expert support, education and influencing services to healthcare professionals and people and families with concerns about cholesterol, so basically a pound per kilometre, and would like to ask for your help in doing so.

Please donate if you are able to, I fully appreciate that funds may be tight in these difficult times but every little bit will help me reach the total and keep the “psychological’ wheels a turning.

Wish me luck and thank you in advance