Littleborough cyclist takes up the London to Surrey 100 challenge to support the NSPCC

Jim Kennedy in training at the Manchestster Velodrome

Jim Kennedy from Littleborough is warming up for a mammoth 100 mile cycle from London to Surrey to raise money for the NSPCC.

Jim, (55), a company director and father of two is preparing to complete the new Prudential Ride London 100 on Sunday 4 August. The ride will begin in the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follow a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside, following testing climbs before finishing back in Central London on the Mall.

Commenting on the challenge Jim said: “My wife Carole bought me an entry to a stage of the Tour de France for my birthday in 2008, and since then I’ve been hooked on cycling.

“Because she is member of the NSPCC Littleborough committee we thought it would be the perfect way to raise funds for a worthy cause.

“This is the first ride of its kind in the UK and promises to be a spectacular event. I’m looking forward to being part of the London to Surrey 100 challenge, and riding a route made famous by the world’s best cyclists at the London 2012 Olympics. I’m also looking forward to riding around London on closed roads. I have taken part in a few events on closed roads before and the atmosphere is fantastic, especially when there are thousands of riders.”

Jim is no stranger to cycling challenges, having recently completed the Marathon of the Dolomites, and also a mountain stage of the Tour De France in the Pyrenees back in 2008.

He hopes his efforts will raise over £1,000 for the NSPCC.

Jim continued: “I’m proud to be raising money for the NSPCC and it’s brilliant to think that for each mile cycled, I will be raising money that will have a real impact on children’s lives.”

Deborah Sefton, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Rochdale, said: “It’s fantastic that Jim is taking part in such a challenge for the NSPCC and I would like to thank him for his support. The money he raises will make a real difference to the lives of local children and I wish him the best of luck with the ride.”

The money raised will help to fund the charity’s work with children and young people who are most at risk. It will help the NSPCC to save, change and improve the lives of children through its local community services, a helpline for adults worried about a child and ChildLine – the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline and online service dedicated to children and young people.

If you would like to sponsor Jim, please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/jim-kennedy1

For more information about supporting the NSPCC locally please contact the NSPCC fundraising team on 0844 892 0253 or email: northwestappeals@nspcc.org.uk