Littlehampton cyclist’s 100-mile ride inspired by father and Olympics

CYCLIST Jason Leith was inspired by the London Olympics to take up the sport. . . and on Sunday he will visit the source of that inspiration to set off on a memorable ride.
Jason Leith, confident as he trains for a 7.30am start on Sunday    PHOTO: Liz Pearce     L31153H13Jason Leith, confident as he trains for a 7.30am start on Sunday    PHOTO: Liz Pearce     L31153H13
Jason Leith, confident as he trains for a 7.30am start on Sunday PHOTO: Liz Pearce L31153H13

Jason, 43, of Bluebell Drive, Littlehampton, will join 20,000 others on the Ride London Surrey 100 event, starting from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

He is raising funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF), a highly personal cause, as Jason’s father, Hugh, died 10 years ago, aged 66, after a heart attack.

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His preparations have not exactly gone smoothly, with almost six months lost after he tore a shoulder ligament in a fall from his bike in November, needing surgery at the time, and a further operation in May.

Since then, however, Jason has stepped up his training to 100 miles a week, something he couldn’t have contemplated a year ago.

“After watching the Olympics, I started to take an interest in cycling. A year ago I would have struggled to ride the 12 miles to work at Rolls-Royce, Goodwood.

“I always wanted to do something for the BHF after my dad died, so that is my motivation”

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His partner Leanne Vivian and their two children have given Jason every encouragement and he has passed his initial fund-raising target, with £600 pledged.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Jason should visit the Justgiving website and search for his name.