Waterlooville man completes challenge to help sick children by riding 26 miles a day for 26 days on bike
A MAN who knows all too well what it’s like to spend weeks stuck in hospital has completed his bike riding challenge to raise money for sick children.
Richard Harris, who underwent heart surgery to save his life in 2017, decided to cycle 26 miles a day for 26 days at the start of May to raise money to help children battling health conditions in hospital.
Now the Waterlooville man has completed his challenge, raising £800 for children’s charity Spread a Smile.
The charity normally organises fairies, magicians, face-painters, therapy dogs and singers to visit terminally ill children and teenagers in hospital but was forced to suspend all visits amid the pandemic.
Richard, 47, is no stranger to fundraising for children with him scooping the personal achievement award at The News’ We Can Do It Awards last year after completing the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon for Cystic Fibrosis Kids Portsmouth.
Richard said: ‘We estimated that I’ve helped up to 70 children with the money raised and hopefully more people will donate - I’d like to get to £1,000.
‘To raise £800 is brilliant though. There has been a great response from people and lots of sponsors so I really appreciate all the help. My partner Niki Tout has been a great help too and has completed 450 miles.
‘I’ve enjoyed the challenge. There’s not been a day when I’ve thought I don’t want to do this. The weather has been very hot though so I’ve had to top up on drinks.
‘There’s also been some windy days which have made things tough along with the hills. But I’ve had an amazing time out riding all over including Waterlooville, Chichester, Petersfield and Butser Hill.’
Despite reaching his target of riding 951 miles - the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats - Richard decided to go the extra mile in his crusade to help struggling children by hosting a treasure hunt, which has fetched £300.
He said: ‘It’s quite an unusual thing to do and everyone’s enjoyed being out exploring and taking selfies in Portsmouth.’