Rochdale’s marathon cycling man

John Smith

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Charity fundraiser and experienced cyclist, John Smith has raised over £3,000 for the Sanctuary Trust, a Rochdale based charity providing accommodation, support and encouragement for homeless people and Sol Kids Mexico Trust.

John rode 4,200 miles across the USA, averaging 80 to 100 miles a day; it took four weeks with the ride starting in Washington State and ending in Massachusetts.

Sol Kids Mexico Trust works to give assistance to vulnerable children and their families in the shanty community of Bella Vista, Mexico.

The children there are often left to their own devices when school finishes at lunchtime whilst the parents are trying to bring home enough to support the family. Drug and alcohol abuse is rife in the area, making the afternoon a vulnerable time for children to be without supervision.

The day care centre provides after school care for the children including a hot mid-day meal which, for some, is the only one of the day. This is followed by sports, arts and crafts activities, help with homework and a late afternoon snack before heading home.

In addition there is an all day nursery for younger children not yet of school age.

As an experienced cyclist, John has completed the route from John O’Groats to Lands End and various other long distance courses in Europe.

On 25 July, Rochdale Rotary Club President Neil Helliwell presented John with a £100 cheque for his charity.