Lower Wood Moss hospital thanks cyclist for 'gargantuan' effort

Dave Evans is riding on his own from Lands End to John O’Groats.

The 60-year-old is raising money for Cheshire’s Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital and St Luke’s Hospice.

The engineer, from Winsford, will be carrying a tent and cooking gear as he pedals 910 miles across the UK.

Every third night, he has paid personally to stay in a hostel or B&B to shower and charge up power packs for his GPS, phone and lights.

Dave's bike all packed and ready to go, weighing 27.5kg (Image: Supplied)

Dave said: “I am self-funding the ride so every penny raised will go to the two charities that are dear to me.

“I love wild life.

“Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital does a marvellous job caring for animals.

“I want to thank St Luke’s Hospice for caring for my mum, Janet Evans, at the end of her life.”

Dave, who is married with a grown-up son, has always loved cycling.

“I’ve cycled for a long time,” he said.

“I do a lot of mountain biking and road riding. I often go out and do a 50-mile ride.

Dave is a keen cyclist and often does 50-mile rides (Image: Supplied)

“I’ve always had an idea that I would love to do something big.

“As I get towards retirement, I thought I’d do the big one from Lands End to John O’Groats.”

Dave, who works in a college assessing mechanical engineering apprentices, plans to complete the arduous journey in 13 days.

“The first challenge will be the hills of Cornwall which are notoriously hilly,” he said.

“Very steep, short sharp hills are the worst.”

The unpredictable weather poses the most difficult hazard.

Dave said: “The hardest thing is the wind. If it is in your face, it’s a nightmare.

“But you’ve got to be of the mindset that if it is peeing down when you get up in the morning, you’ve still got to pack up and set off.

“I’ll be doing the ride completely unsupported.”

His specialised touring bike weighs 27.5kg as he sets off today, Saturday.

“My route is all mapped out,” said Dave.

“I will follow pre-planned daily sessions, using a Garmin sat nav which I’ll wear on my wrist.

“I’ve sorted the bike with spare inner tubes and sealant so if I get any punctures I won’t have to stop.”

For the past six weeks, he has been training every day riding up to 60 and 70 miles each time.

Dave plans to stock up with fresh food along the way.

“I’ve got a stove so I can cook sausages and eggs and have cereal or porridge for breakfast,” he said “I’ll always be going through towns or villages where I can pick up provisions.

“I can knock on doors to get my water bottles filled.”

His route will take him mostly on roads away from busy traffic but he will also face some isolated stretches through countryside.

Dave said: “In Inverness, there are areas where there is absolutely nothing for 30 miles.

“I will carry enough food and drink for the day.

“I’m quite excited now.”

Ray Jackson, who set up Lower Moss Wood Nature Reserve 30 years ago, said: “It cost approximately £15,000 per month to fund the charity’s vital work in education and wildlife rehabilitation.

“Please support this wonderful fundraising effort by a very special man.

“Good luck, Dave, we appreciate your gargantuan effort.”

To donate to Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital visit justgiving.com/page/dave-evans-landsendtojohnogroats

A spokesman for St Luke’s Hospice said: “A heartfelt thank you to Dave for courageously embracing this challenge.

“Every penny raised by fundraising heroes like Dave contribute directly to patient care.”