Cycling friends put their minds to big challenge (From Ilkley Gazette)

Cycling friends put their minds to big challenge

10:40am Friday 22nd June 2012 in Local news By Jim Jack

Two friends will be putting mind over matter as they tackle a major cycling challenge for charity.

Former Ilkley Grammar School pupils and keen cyclists Laurie Swan and Adam Rhodes, both 24, had wanted to ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End for several years.

But when Mr Swan’s mother, Niccola, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, joined mental health charity Leeds Mind, the pair decided to put their plan into action.

They are setting out on their 12-day trip this weekend, covering about 80 miles a day.

The journey will total about 1,000 miles as they are taking a detour via the charity’s head office in Horsforth to help celebrate its 40th anniversary.

“Naturally, I’m biased, but I’m delighted my son and Adam chose to raise money for Leeds Mind as it’s such a genuine cause,” Mrs Swan said.

“The fact it happens to be our 40th anniversary year makes it even more special, and this is just the first of a number of events planned to celebrate during the coming year.”

Mrs Swan will also be acting as the friends’ support team, having to locate camp sites at the end of each day, putting up tents and taking them down the next day.

Mr Rhodes, an immigration adviser, and Mr Swan, who works for KPMG, both in London, have set themselves a target of raising £1,000.

For more information about their task or to donate, go to their website mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/leedsmindend2end.

Call the national infoline on 0300 1233393 for further information and help from Mind.