A Solihull businessman is undertaking a mammoth fundraising ride for national charity Heart Research UK – cycling non-stop from Solihull to Berwick-Upon-Tweed – a distance of 315 miles.
Andrew Kay, 60, is taking on the mammoth challenge on the 10th of June, and he and fellow riders Neil Bowler and Les Cundy are aiming to complete the challenge without stopping.
Heart Research UK is a national charity that invest millions of pound in pioneering research in to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease. Heart Research UK Midlands, based in Birmingham`s Jewellery Quarter, have been operational since 2007, raising funds that are used for life saving research and community projects in the region.
“We have named the challenge ‘The Stupid Ride’ for a reason,” said Andrew.
“It is an awfully long way and, having ridden long distances before, the challenges are not so much to do with strength and stamina but more to do with chaffing and body parts giving up or falling off!”
“My shoulders go first, then the wrists and knees and finally the back gives way and tends to go into spasm ….. and that’s after five miles!
“My business partner has a family member who suffers from genetic heart issues and my firm, Arkade Property, have always supported Heart Research UK Midlands as our chosen charity.
“We’ve partnered with them for many years, and we’re always kept up to date with all the work that Heart Research UK undertake.
“This is such an important area of medicine and the support that the charity gives to the medical profession and the NHS is absolutely invaluable. Two of my three daughters are doctors with the other being a medical scientist, so the fact that all donations go directly to supporting research and providing essential equipment is very important.
John Lloyd, Heart Research UK Midlands Regional Executive, said: ““We are so proud that Andrew, has been a dedicated supporter of the charity for over 7 years, is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for Heart Research UK projects.
“In these strange and difficult times we are delighted to have such an enthusiastic and charismatic individual lending his support, to help others.
“Everyone here at Heart Research UK Midlands wishes Andrew and his co-riders the best of luck!”
Andrew’s challenge begins on the 10th June 2021.
