Alan Kershaw, Steve Williams and Gordon Armitage raise £525 for Rochdale MS Society

Alan and Gillian Kershaw

Alan Kershaw, Steve Williams and Gordon Armitage have raised £525 for the Rochdale branch of the MS Society after completing a bike ride from Rochdale to the Isle of Man.

The trio, who have completed similar charity bike rides before, raised the money for the MS Society as it is an organisation close to Alan’s heart.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Alan said: “My wife has MS and she goes to the Rochdale MS club and they do a variety of things like plan activities, days out and meals and things but it is all self-funded and like many places, funding is short so that is why we decided to do it really.”

Alan, Steve and Gordon were already planning the bike ride before Alan asked if the fundraising element could be added.

“It wasn’t until about four weeks before we set off that I asked the guys if they wouldn’t mind doing some fundraising and I think seeing as we did it in a short period of time and we didn’t use online services like Facebook and Just Giving, we did ok. People were great in supporting us like our friends and family and even people who don’t know us personally,” said Alan.

The friends have previously raised money for Kathmandu and a local man who was dying from MSA.

The Rochdale branch of the MS Society has been offering help and support to people affected by MS since 1971.

Alan said: “I get inspired when I go there because it affects so many people. It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, old or young, it can hit anyone. My wife had a good job, that she loved but now she can’t do that anymore and it affects people different. She has cognitive difficulties so she can’t drive and she can’t work.

“Fundraising is something that anybody can do. You don’t do it to feel good but knowing that you are helping someone is a good feeling.”

Anne Malley from the Rochdale MS Society said: “At our monthly meeting Alan presented us with £525, which was amazing. Thank you Alan for your continued support.”

The trio are already planning their next bike ride and are hoping to raise money for Springhill Hospice.