Member Article

Manager in the saddle for 100-mile cycle ride

Construction manager Tom Walker is gearing up to tackle the 100-mile Prudential Ride London event this Sunday.

The 61-year-old who works for Persimmon Homes East Midlands is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation and says he is inspired by his late-father and to improve his own health and fitness.

“I have always enjoyed cycling from being a child, and then I got into motorbikes when I was older, but about 10 years ago I decided to get back on a pedal bike,” said Tom.

“I decided it was time to start looking at my own health and having worked on sites all my life I found I was getting arthritis and aches and pains, and thought it was the best way to keep myself moving.

“There is a group of us in Cropwell Bishop, In Nottinghamshire, where I live, who go out together on our bikes and we can do anything from 25 to 40 miles on a Wednesday evening to 70 to 80-mile rides on a Sunday. We head out for breakfast and a ride back, it is very sociable, good for us and a lovely way to cover the miles and see the countryside.

“We are group of great friends doing what we enjoy, and now we are looking to raise some money for charity too by doing the Prudential Ride London, a 100-mile ride, on Sunday.

“I am raising funds for the British Heart Foundation as I have seen friends poorly with their hearts and also my dad, Tom, who suffered a heart attack and a stroke and declining health before he passed away.

“It is about lifestyle and I think it is something that think we can all improve our chances with and I am keen to raise awareness of how we can help look after ourselves.”

Nova Eames, head of sales at Persimmon Homes East Midlands, said: “Tom is an excellent example to us all about how we can look after ourselves and give ourselves the best possible outcomes for our health.

“He clearly loves his cycling to be on the road for up to four or five hours at a time, even if itdoes include a well-earned breakfast!

“We wish him well for Sunday and will be sponsoring his efforts in aid of the British Heart Foundation.”

Anyone wishing to support Tom and the British Heart Foundation can donate through Tom’s JustGiving page. Please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tom-walker27 and pledge your support.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Dutton .