THE president of Newent and District Rotary Club is taking on the mammoth challenge of riding 1,225 miles across the UK to raise money for a local hospice - at the tender age of 69.

Father-of-four - and grandfather of four more - John Shaw, from Ashleworth in Tewkesbury, is saddling up for his first and chief charity challenge as President of the club by cycling all the way from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The retired chartered surveyor is raising money for the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham, with the team having previously cared for the daughter-in-law of former club President Jeremy Chamberlayne.

John will complete the cycle over 14 legs, starting on Thursday (August 25), supported by his wife Sally and joined for some stages by friends and fellow rotarians.

He will aim to complete the challenge in 28 days, and has set a target of raising £5,000.

John says he chose to support the hospice having gained an insight into the “incredible” work of the team when he volunteered there back in 2009.

Then, in 2016, he became aware of the hospice’s ‘Ride for Ryder’ cycling challenge, which has seen him take part in a number of annual rides to raise funds.

He also took part in this year’s event in July, which he says was a great training ride ahead of his big cycle starting this week.

He explained of his decision to support the hospice: “It was a conversation with fellow Rotary Club member and a former Club President, Jeremy Chamberlayne, which ultimately cemented the idea of pushing my cycling further.

“Jeremy’s daughter-in-law, Pascale, was cared for by the team at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and he was very supportive of my bid to raise money for them.

“Their family’s story is a key inspiration for my ride.”

Jeremy is hosting a ‘Rotary Club BBQ Fundraiser in the Park’ at Maisemore Lakeside on September 6 in aid of Sue Ryder, which John is stopping off at on his way through from Land’s End.

John added of the fundraiser: “Raising the funds is paramount and raising the profile of what Sue Ryder does is very important too.

“I want to allow time to talk to people, including Rotary Clubs along the way. We have eleven Districts of Rotary along my cycle route.

“We have been in contact with them so that we can gain support and help spread the Sue Ryder message. I am very grateful for all of the support I am receiving.”

To donate to John’s fundraising total, go to www.justgiving.com and search ‘President John 
Shaw’.