Friends cycle for charity

Jim Gater, Barry Matthews and Eddie Holden

A Rochdale man and his lifelong friend have completed a bike ride from Newcastle to Edinburgh to raise money for charity.

Eddie Holden from Littleborough and Jim Gater from Oldham share many interests having gone to school together and both pursued careers in teaching.

In addition they are keen bike riders who like a challenge.

In 1994 they rode from Lands End to John O’Groats for charity.

Sixteen years on they decided it was time to take to the road again in order to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. A third friend, Barry Matthews, supported the duo and followed by car.

The weather was atrocious in the three days it took to cover about 180 miles on the coastal route. Mr Holden said “It rained most of the time but the worst was the wind which nearly had us off the bikes on numerous occasions but we battled on and finally made it into Edinburgh.”

The pair have raised nearly £1,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

They are both committed fundraisers for Marie Curie Cancer Care with Mr Holden belonging to the Rochdale Support group and Mr Gater the Oldham Support group.

All the money raised will ensure that terminally ill patients with cancer and other diseases can be cared for at home, free of charge, by Marie Curie nurses. This care is invaluable for patients who want to die at home and provides support for family and friends too.