Pair gear up for 1,000-mile challenge

AN intrepid cyclist is today gearing up to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats in memory of his father who died earlier this year.

Toby Humphrey will be pedalling the gruelling 1,000-mile route in aid of Sue Ryder- The Chantry, which cares for those with acquired brain injuries and chronic neurological conditions.

The charity was special to his dad, former railway engineer Geoffrey, who died on a train between Ipswich and Manningtree in March.

Dad-of-two Mr Humphreys, of Birch Drive, Brantham, will be joined on the mammoth ride in September by friend Kevin Cousins.

The pair, who hope to raise �2,000, expect the trip from the south west tip of England to the northern most point of Scotland to take eight to ten days. They will cycle between 100 and 120 miles each day.

Port of Felixstowe worker Mr Humphreys said: “We had originally planned to cycle the route with dad following behind in a support car.

“When he died, I thought I should go ahead with the ride in his memory and raise money for Sue Ryder.

“It will be a hard ride but we'll try to make it as enjoyable as possible.”

Mr Humphrey's dad was found dead in a train carriage by a fellow passenger on March 3.

After taking early retirement in 1986, the 78-year-old dedicated much of his life to volunteering and charity work, including running the Brantham Scouts. One of his pack - Adrian Sluce - was later admitted to The Chantry.

Mr Humphrey said: “He always tried to look after his boys and when Adrian became ill dad would go and see him once a week and push him around Ipswich in his wheelchair.”

Mr Humphreys, 40, and Mr Cousins, 29, have already begun training for their epic ride.

Mr Cousins, a car mechanic, said: “It's a little daunting but I think we'll have a good time.”

If you would like to sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.com/tobyhumphrey

Tell us about your fundraising exploits - write to Newsdesk, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk