Businessmen bank on bike ride for NSPCC

NSPCC: Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717

Two bikes, four legs, nine counties and nine hours - these are the ingredients for a duo from Rochdale who are setting off on a cycling challenge to raise money for the NSPCC.

Businessmen Andrew Lister, 34, and John Littler, 37, have set themselves a challenge to cycle across nine counties in nine hours.

The pair will set off from their Rochdale office at 5.30am on 12 September and cycle uphill and down dale to reach their final destination in Pontefract where they have another business base.

The pair who own Quantum quantity surveyors in Milnrow will cycle through Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, North Lincolnshire, the East Riding and West Yorkshire all in nine hours.

Father of one, Mr Lister said: “I think it must’ve been a moment of madness when I agreed to do this challenge – neither of us has ever done anything like this before! But, we’re taking it seriously and we’ve been training really hard for the past couple of months and have probably covered a total of 600 miles in training.

“We estimate the route is about 110 miles and is a combination of cycle paths and road ways. We’ve already practised the hardest bit which is the first 50 miles from Stalybridge up to the Pennines. After that it’s pretty flat and downhill - I can definitely say I’m most looking forward to the finishing line!”

Mr Lister, who lives in Littleborough, is doing the cycle with his business partner and father-of-four John Littler, who is originally from Walkden but now lives in Huddersfield. They chose to support the NSPCC after attending the charity’s White Hart Ball in Oldham in June which raised more than £2000.

The pair hope their cycling challenge will raise more much needed funds for vulnerable and abused children. Mr Littler continued: “As fathers, both John and I feel strongly that all children should have the chance to grow-up in a safe and loving environment which is why we chose to support the NSPCC."

Deborah Hardwick, NSPCC community fundraising manager said: “I’m really pleased Andrew and John chose to support us after attending one of our fundraisers. It’s great that they’ve decided to do more to raise money for the vital services we provide for children across Greater Manchester and beyond.”

NSPCC, Registered Charity Numbers 216401 and SC037717.