East Tytherley councillor raises almost £3k through bike ride

Steve Edwards, 65, a Parish Councillor in East Tytherley has completed an unsupported solo bike ride from Lands End to John O’Groats.

He has done this in order to raise money for the Dalgety Family Playing Field, where the East Tytherley village playground is located.

Having opened in 2010 following years of fundraising and planning, the playpark is said to be a very popular destination in the village.

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East Tytherley Village Playground.

But after eleven "very successful" years, is needing some repairs and enhancement to ensure it remains available for families.

After completing the bike ride over a 12 day period from May 17 to May 29, Steve has so far raised £2,800 for the repairs.

He said: "I've never done a multi day bike ride, I've only ever done single days so this was a first. I felt very positive all the way through, the worst thing about the bike ride was the weather.

"We had a period of rain and it made the cycling really quite difficult at times, particularly early on. Some days were tougher than others depending on the weather and the terrain."

The cost of work at the playpark is estimated at £10,000 and that the funds raised through the ride will go towards that total.

On the JustGiving page which has been set up for the bike ride, Steve said: "Rather than just do it for fun I thought it was worth putting the effort to a good cause in my local community."

Rob Scoones, Parish Council Chairman said: "Covid has challenged us with the planning of fundraising events, so when Steve offered to undertake the mammoth bike ride to fundraise, it sounded like a great idea, and we were keen to support him."