A MOTOR dealer is moving into top gear as his fundraising approaches his personal target.
Sherwoods general sales manager Simon MacConachie is within a few hundred pounds of his £2,500 goal for the charity Help for Heroes.
All he has to do now is complete the marathon cycle ride from Edinburgh to London, 440 of the most gruelling road miles in the country.
“The route takes me right past my house and I just know that I am going to want to pop in, have a cup of tea, sit down on some ice and have a lie down,” said the 36-year-old, who lives near Richmond.
Simon, who works for the Vauxhall dealership with branches in Darlington, Stockton and Northallerton, will join the Tartan Express Hero Ride on June 2.
Riding with a party of wounded or injured servicemen and veterans, as well as other volunteers, he will cycle the distance between the nation’s two capitals in just a week, some days covering between 80 and 90 miles.
The route also takes them past Phoenix House, the defence recovery centre run by Help for Heroes and supported by the Royal British Legion at Catterick Garrison.
The centre aims to inspire and support those who have been wounded, injured or become sick while serving their country to enable them to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives.
“My dad and granddad were both in the army, we have a number of ex-servicemen staff and we have many customers from the Armed Forces,” said Simon.
“We are delighted to be supporting Help for Heroes and Phoenix House and I feel if you have the ability to raise money for good causes you should.”
Simon began training for the epic ride a few months ago and is now riding up to 50 miles a time.
“When I first went out I did about five miles and thought I was going to collapse,” he said.
“But I have always been impressed by the work of Help for Heroes and Phoenix House is fantastic so I am looking forward to the whole experience.”
