Cyclists set to pedal for Nepalese

A total of 50 of the saddle kings and queens are being sought to take up the Nepal orphanage cycle challenge.

This will be a testing 106-mile ride along the South Downs Way from Winchester for three days from September 19.

Villagers from Barnham, Climping, Eastergate, Slindon, Walberton and Yapton have come together to raise 50,000 to build an orphanage for destitute children in Nepal.

Led by Yapton Free Church, schools have already joined with churches and families to support welfare and schooling of more than 30 Nepalese orphans.

But the orphanage is needed because there are so many more in dire need of support.

Event leader and Eastergate resident Graham Bailey said: "We already have 15 volunteers who have been in training for the past few months. With many of these riders in the 50s and 60s, it has become a Last of the Summer Wine challenge in every sense."

The oldest rider is 62-year-old Worthing man Dave Weaver. The cyclists meet at 9.30am on Saturdays at Yapton Free Church, opposite the Olive Branch pub, for a practise ride.

The three-day ride will include stops at Butser Hill, Upper Beeding and Telscombe.

Anyone interested in the challenge should contact Barry Pickthall on 07768 395719.

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