Trophy for cycle marathon man
AFTER raising thousands for charity, a Suffolk man has regained his crown as a wheel champion fundraiser for cycling the length of the UK – twice. James Stiff, who suffers from learning disabilities, won for the second time a prestigious trophy given by the Lands End – John O'Groats Association after a rerun of the epic journey sent his total sponsorship soaring to more than £90,000 in aid of the Home Farm Trust.
By James Fraser
AFTER raising thousands for charity, a Suffolk man has regained his crown as a wheel champion fundraiser for cycling the length of the UK – twice.
James Stiff, who suffers from learning disabilities, won for the second time a prestigious trophy given by the Lands End – John O'Groats Association after a rerun of the epic journey sent his total sponsorship soaring to more than £90,000 in aid of the Home Farm Trust.
He was awarded the trophy at the association's annual dinner in Torquay last Saturday. The 35-year-old first won the trophy in 1987 after raising £53,000. He then repeated the 890-mile ride in May, a marathon effort which has so far raised more than £22,000.
In addition to the Lands End trips, James, who lives at Orford House, the Essex home of the Home Farm Trust near Stansted airport, also cycled from London to Brighton in 1984.
Ian Botham, who walked the famous route for charity in 1985, is a previous holder of the cup – and James dad Mike, who lives in Grundisburgh, said that his son was "thrilled" to follow in the steps of his sporting hero.
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"It was a very proud and emotional occasion," said Mr Stiff, who acts as his son's cycling escort. "It was worth every inch of the 620 mile trip to Torquay to watch the delight and expectation on James' face as he realised the citation related to his achievements and the trophy was again to be his.
"To the obvious delight of other members he leapt from his chair. The past year has been a great fillip to James' confidence as although he will not originate conversation about his achievements he happily responds, in his way, to mention of them with obvious well-earned pride."
Any further donations can be sent to HFT (Jog), Brook Lea, Stoney Road, Grundisburgh, Woodbridge IP13 6RA.
