Local businessmen to complete charity bike ride

Dominic Gregory, Michael Stewart and Scott Warburton prepare for their charity bike ride

Michael Stewart, Scott Warburton and Dominic Gregory will be taking part in a 300 mile cycle challenge across Portugal to raise money for autism charity, Hearts and Minds.

The group will leave for Portugal on Thursday 1 May where they will cycle over 300 miles in four days.

Michael said: “My oldest son Harrison has autism and the charity has offered some great help and support over the years so I wanted to do
something for them.”

Hearts and Minds is a children’s charity which aims to bring positive change to the lives of those affected by autism.

The charity was set up in 2010 and this year will see the bike ride in its fifth year. Michael completed the bike ride last year through Spain.

“This year I have two of my best friends, Scott Warburton and Dominic Gregory, coming along with me. We have been motivating each other and encouraging each other so it is nice to have that support,” added Michael.

Scott said: “I am looking forward to it. It’s something that I haven’t done before so it should be exciting and it is all for a good cause.”

Dominic added: “I am at the beginning of a mid life crisis so a 300 mile bike ride seems a good way to start that.”

Scott and Dominic haven’t done anything like this before. Michael said: “It was a killer last year but we have been training since January so I think we are prepared this year.”

“I cycled to Blackpool, when I was much younger, for a young boy who was terminally ill but I haven’t done anything in terms of cycling in a long time,” added Dominic.

Also taking part in the bike ride is Boyzone star Keith Duffy and Olympic silver medallist Richard Waddon. Patrons of the charity include Paul Scholes and Melanie Sykes.

“We hope to raise around £3,500 and we have already raised over £2,000,” added Michael.

Money raised from the bike ride will then be used to help fund a school built in Greater Manchester to be used by children with autism and their families.

Michael, Scott and Dominic leave for Portugal on Thursday and ride across Portugal on the 3, 4 and 5 May.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Michael, Scott and Dominic can do so by visiting:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/michaelstewart1