BROADWAY GP Neil Townshend has swapped the consulting room for 10 days in the saddle as he prepares to pedal the length of the country to support the village library.
Dr Townshend and his son, Ian, have been training around the Vale and the Cotswolds in preparation for the 975-mile cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End. Their initial aim was to raise £2,000 for the newly-formed Broadway Community Library charitable trust. The trust is responsible for running Broadway library which needs between £10,000 and £12,000 each year to keep open. However, they have already exceeded that target and are hopeful more will be pledged for the cause.
The library was at risk of closure and it is only through the work of the trust over the past 18 months that the village and surrounding district still has a viable, fully functioning library. The library is a vital resources for young and old delivering services across both printed and electronic media.
“My son, Ian, and I will be cycling approximately 100 miles per day for 10 days carrying all our own equipment and staying in B&Bs. It will be quite a challenge especially as we have chosen a scenic route that seems to have quite a few hills in the way," said Dr Townshend.
The pair set off on Thursday June 4 and the route they have chosen takes in Lairg, Invergarry, Loch Lomond, Lockerbie, Ingleton, Chester, Hereford and Taunton before arriving in Looe on June 12.
He added that they are meeting their existence and accommodation costs from their own pocket and every donation they are given will be going to the fund.
"We feel strongly that it is a vital service for our village and would welcome any sponsorship/donations which can be done either at the Broadway doctors surgery or at Broadway Library.
"Most of all we are hoping that it will be a great experience but we are hoping to raise a significant amount. Everyone is being incredibly generous and we have already exceeded or initial target of £2,000 of which every penny will go to the trust."
The pair have set up a Facebook page and blog charting their journey from the start of training which can be found at: townshendjogle.tumblr.com
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