Cyclist embarks on epic 2,000-mile ride around England to raise funds for Leeds charities
Leeds entrepreneur Martin Mansell aims to raise £50,000 for MND through a 2,000-mile ride around England
A Yorkshire cyclist has set off on a mammoth solo attempt to ride the full perimeter of England while raising vital funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research.
Martin Mansell, an entrepreneur from Leeds, embarked yesterday (June 25) on an ambitious solo journey to cycle 2,000 miles around England, with the aim of covering on average 200 miles a day for 10 consecutive days, tackling a mix of coastal, rural and urban terrain.
Starting at the Humber Bridge in East Yorkshire, the route will take Mansell around England’s coastline and borders, passing landmarks including the east coast, Dover, Land’s End, the Severn Bridge, Chester, Carlisle and the Northumberland coast before finishing at the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease in Leeds.
As he takes on the mammoth challenge, Mansell is expected to spend around 16 hours a day in the saddle as he attempts to set a new Guinness World Record while also aiming to raise £50,000 for the Rob Burrow Centre for MND through Leeds Hospitals Charity and Yorkshire Children’s Charity.
Martin Mansell, CEO of EnjoyTravel.com, said: “This is the biggest and most arduous challenge I’ve ever taken on and the culmination of a three-year series of charity endurance rides.
“The challenging terrain, unpredictable weather and sheer mileage, combined with little rest between stages, will make it an incredibly tough challenge, but I’m ready to go the distance in support of these important causes.”
The challenge is expected to conclude at the Rob Burrow Centre on Sunday, July 5, and marks the final chapter in Mansell’s three-year series of endurance challenges.
Mansell added: “Raising funds for the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease and Yorkshire Children’s Charity gives this ride real purpose, and I’m determined to help raise as much as possible for two incredible charities.”