A member of the Harvester Walking Football Group is hoping to raise money for his teammate’s disabled son by taking part in the St Albans Charity Cycle Ride.
Ian Jardine will take on the 40-mile ride in aid of Gerard Murphy, 22, who was left paralysed from the chest down after striking his head on a rock while diving in Sweden last year.
Gerard now has no use of his legs, triceps, wrists and fingers. He was recently discharged from Stoke Mandeville Spinal Injuries Hospital after a six-month stay, and hopes to return to Exeter University to complete his degree course later this year.
Since hearing of Gerard’s injuries, the walking football group have looked at ways to support Gerard, and Ian volunteered to take part in the Cycle Ride on Sunday, May 13.
Ian, who cycles nearly every day as part of an exercise routine to deal with osteoarthritis and a lack of cartilage in his right knee, will be riding an elderly Dawes bicycle he found at a restoration enterprise in Carlisle. With a combined age of more than 150, Ian and his bike may be the oldest bike and rider partnership taking part in the event.
The money raised will go towards Gerard’s future medical needs, equipment and physical therapy sessions.
The St Albans Charity Cycle Ride (SACCR) features 10, 20, 30 and 40-mile routes through the countryside. The routes will be fully marshalled, with drinks and refreshments offered at regular checkpoints throughout the route, and cyclists will start and finish at Oaklands College in Hatfield Road.
All pre-registered riders who complete the course will be given a free t-shirt, a medal and a certificate.
Riders are advised to check in at least half an hour before their registered start time. Forty-mile riders start at either 8.45am or 9am, 30-mile riders start at 9.15am, 20-mile riders start at 9.30am and 10-mile riders start at 9.45am.
Anyone entering the event on the day can register from 8am, but cannot be guaranteed a t-shirt. Check-in will close at 10.30am.
The ride has been organised by the Rotary Clubs of St Albans, and St John Ambulance will be on hand on the day to offer emergency treatment in the event of injury.
To donate, email cyclingforgerard@hotmail.com
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