Robert Foster festoons his bike with bras to promote his 120 mile challenge
Blackpool charge nurse, Robert Foster is a bit of an adrenalin addict.
He’s a keen mountain biker who loves down-hill and enduro racing.
But he wanted to come out of his comfort zone and do something to raise money for Breast Cancer care.
And despite never having ridden a bike on the road, Robert has pledged to raise funds by riding non-stop from Manchester to Leeds – and back!
“I am doing it for breast cancer because it’s a charity close to my heart,” Robert explained. “There have been some amazing people I know who have been affected by the disease and I wanted to do something for them.
“I wanted to put myself out of my comfort zone so 120 miles from Manchester to Leeds and back seemed like a good challenge.
“I’ve had to borrow a road bike from our ward clerk’s son to complete this challenge and I’ve started a training programme.
“I am gradually increasing my hourly ride from two to three hours to the nine hour stint that I think this task will be. I am gradually building up my stamina as the 120 miles has to be done in one take setting off at 6.30am and riders need to be at the finish line by 9pm which is when the challenge closes.”
The event is the Challenge Cancer: Cycle Trans Pennine – and, as an exercise in stamina, it is not for the faint hearted!
Robert has set himself a personal fund-raising target of £500, but hopes that he will beat that.
“I’ve been promoting the challenge on Facebook and have been overwhelmed by the response from colleagues and friends. I will also be having collection buckets on ITU and HDU for anyone who wants to support me.
“I raised 25 per cent of the target in four days, but there is still a long way to go. Some of the consultants and my ward colleagues have pledged to support me and I will be taking a bucket round before the ride itself”.
The event takes place on Sunday, September 18th and you can support Robert by visiting his Just Giving page on www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Raaaab