A DEDICATED fundraiser is dusting off his pedals to take on a 99-mile cycle challenge for a local charity – ten years after he last got on a bike.
Scott Thresh, of Racecommon Road, Barnsley, will tackle the ride at the end of August in support of Barnsley Hospice after it launched an appeal for help following a huge drop in income due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Scott, who works at Freshpak in Wombwell, has taken part in previous team challenges for the hospice – including a 24-hour treadmill relay.
But the cycle, his take on the hospice’s ’99 Challenge’, will be his first solo fundraiser.
The 32-year-old said: “I wanted to do a personal challenge, something that would take me out of my comfort zone.
“Having not cycled for over ten years, this definitely does that.”
Scott has been training on a new bike given by friend Darren Gothard and is being coached by friend and colleague Gavin Coles, a long-time supporter of Barnsley Hospice.
He hopes to be joined by others on different legs of the ride, which will follow routes around the borough on August 28.
“I’ve been building up the distances slowly and I definitely feel fitter”, Scott said.
“It’s good to get out on the bike as it’s something positive with everything that’s going on with the Covid-19 situation.
“It’s good for the mind and it’s nice to help such a great charity – after all, you never know if you might need it yourself one day.”
Vicky Stead, community fundraiser at Barnsley Hospice, said: “We’re really grateful that Scott is taking on this challenge for us and it’s wonderful to hear how much his friends are supporting him.
“The money he is raising will make a big difference at a difficult time and we wish him all the best for his 99 miles.”
