Sgt's ride in memory of brother
A SERGEANT at Harrogate's Army Foundation College will cycle from Land's End to John O' Groats in memory of his brother who was killed in Afghanistan.
Sgt Leon Upton will be joined by seven fellow cyclists and two support drivers from Waterloo Company at the college, to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund.
Sgt Upton, who organised the event, said: "When I was asked to organise a charity event, I jumped at the chance.
"As a budding cyclist I thought it would be a challenge to ride from Land's End to John O' Groats a gruelling distance of 930 miles.
"I personally will be dedicating the ride to my brother Paul who was killed whilst serving in Afghanistan in February, 2009."
The ride will take place over nine days - four legs of over 100 miles followed by a rest day and another four legs of 100 miles or more.
Worthy
There will be overnight stops at Okehampton, Chepstow, Shrewsbury, Preston, Airdrie, Dalwhinnie and Dornock before reaching the final destination at John O' Groats.
The cyclists will some little help from Harrogate Lions Club, which has handed over 250 to cover the cost of food for the ride.
Lion President Dawn Ramshaw said: "When we received the request for help from Leon we had no hesitation in assisting him.
"The team have been training hard and we are confident that they can complete the journey whilst raising funds for a very worthy cause. We wish them a safe journey."
The ride sets of from John O' Groats on April 14 and has a fundraising target of 6,000. Sponsors can donate online at www.justgiving.com/leonupton1801
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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