Second time lucky for Horsham Age UK cyclist

Peter McMahon was cycling to raise funds for Age UK, particularly their Horsham branch for which he is a trustee and treasurer. Peter’s effort came following a disappointing attempt to finish the race last year, as a hurricane prevented the full distance from being completed.

He was determined to complete the 100 mile course after it was curtailed to 86 miles last year.

He said: “I always wanted to do the full 100 miles, and I’m a glutton for punishment.”

He completed the course in under seven hours and has so far raised £800 of his £1,000 target for the charity.

He highlighted his non-stop efforts atop Leith and Box Hills and the end of race ride along Pall Mall as particularly special parts of his cycle.

Janice Leeming, Age UK Horsham’s chief executive said: “We are very grateful to him for choosing to support our local charity.”

Peter’s previous attempt had been for premature baby charity Bliss, which he was also a trustee of for eight years.

Age UK Horsham operates out of Lavinia House, where it offers activities and courses such as hairdressing and IT, as well as helping with transport in and around the area.

Janice added: “Fundraising initiatives such as Peter’s are vital to us to keep our free services running.”

Age UK Horsham was formed in 1958 and is a brand partner of the national charity Age UK and aims to make the most of later life for those in the Horsham area.

The route is very similar to the one from the 2012 London Olympics and covers Leith Hill and Box Hill with roads closed off to ensure rider safety.

The charity cycle was then followed by around 150 riders competing in the professional London-Surrey Classic which was won by Luxembourg’s Jean-Pierre Drucker.

Anyone wishing to support Peter in his efforts go to his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Peter-McMahon1

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