A TEAM effort and some very early morning starts helped a local cyclist raise around £2,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Paul Richardson, of Looe, was pedalling in memory of his mum Ann, who passed away in May 2020.
“Due to COVID we were unable to see mum for the last two months of her life, and we were unable to have a proper funeral,” said Paul.
“I was also aware that due to the pandemic, all charities are struggling to raise funds: all the charity shops are closed and all the major fundraising events have been postponed.
“This inspired me to try to do something to raise a bit of money for Cancer Research.”
Paul made a target of cycling 300 miles in a month – he says that while 10 miles a day does not sound a huge amount, it was surprisingly tricky to fit in around his other commitments.
“With working at my day job in Jewson, and our family business at Crumplehorn Cottages, I have been working seven-day weeks including evenings. Everyone that knows me thought I was mad to take the challenge!” he said.
“The only way I could do it was to get up at five every morning and cycle 10 miles before I went to work.
“Some mornings it was freezing cold, some mornings it was raining really hard, but I just got on and did it.
“I have been overwhelmed with people’s generosity, family, friends, and colleagues have chipped in, and to date I have raised around £2,000.”
The month of fundraising has been a real team effort, with Paul’s dad Neil taking photos to put on social media, his friend Jon Wotton (Bod) being wingman on some of the rides, and sisters Carolyn and Nicola cheering him on with a finishing line ribbon on the last day.
“I would also like to thank my wife Vicky for putting up with me setting the alarm for 5am every morning for a month!” he added.
To see more pictures and support Paul’s efforts for Cancer Research UK visit https://fundraise.cancer
researchuk.org and search for “Paul Richardson cycle 300”