53-year-old swaps running shoes for pedal power to raise money for elderly
A 53-year-old has swapped his running shoes for pedal power by taking on a 100km bike ride from London to Brighton in aid of older people.
Mark Barren, of Hopton Road, from Streatham, had planned to run the London Landmarks half marathon on Sunday but suffered an ankle injury during training.
Keen not to let down his sponsors, Mr Barren then decided to take up the bike ride for Home Instead Charities, on Saturday, which funds events and activities for older people in communities across the UK.
Mr Barren said: “My wife’s best friend, Clare Jeffries, owns a home care company, Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston.
“Clare is a trustee of Home Instead’s national charity, Home Instead Charities. I’ve heard about the many fantastic events and activities that Clare’s business supports locally and others funded by the charity which enable older people to enjoy independent living in local communities.
“When Clare mentioned Home Instead Charities were entering a team in the London Landmarks Half Marathon I jumped at the chance to take part.
“I was devastated when, during training for the 13.1 mile race, I injured my Achilles tendon.
“Friends, family and associates have pledged generously to the charity so I couldn’t let them down. I am still able to get on my bike, so I decided to take on a cycling challenge instead.”
The route started in Streatham and, after leaving London, Mr Barren enjoyed quiet country lanes passing through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead and Haywards Heath before taking on a grueling climb to the top of Ditchling Beacon in the South Downs – the highest point in East Sussex.
“The climb has featured in the 1994 Tour de France and, more recently, in the 2014 Tour of Britain.”
The finish line was the seaside town of Brighton, where Mark celebrated with a well-deserved ice cream.
Home Instead Charities exists to bring joy and put fun into ageing by helping elderly people to reconnect in their communities to help improve mental, physical and emotional health.
The Home Instead team are aiming to raise as much money as they can to enable local grass roots community groups across the UK to support their ageing adults with the specific aim of preventing loneliness and social isolation.
For more information on the home care services offered by Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, please call 020 8942 4137 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/wimbledon-kingston/
Pictured top: Mark Barren arrives in Brighton
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