Hull man hoping to make a difference with a 24-hour cycling challenge

HE HAS VOLUNTEERED FOR THE COAST-TO-COAST RIDE FOR A NUMBER OF CAUSES

- By DEBORAH HALL [e-mail] @DeborahHall15

A HULL man has shed three stones and upped his fitness to be ready for a charity challenge next week.

John Hirst, a maintenance facilities supervisor, is joining a group of cyclists to ride the Trans Pennine Trail from Southport to Hornsea, starting out on Saturday, May 24. The 215-mile route will be covered by the team in 24 hours, with the aim of raising funds and awareness for Life For a Kid and The Brain Tumour Charity, among a number of worthy causes.

"I've never done anything as extreme as this before," said John. "The most I've ever biked is probably 60 miles; now I'm cycling from Southport to Hornsea.”