Keith Mayes is participating in the “Ride London-Essex” 100 mile cycle ride in support of the Hungerford CHAIN charity minibus appeal

I am a volunteer driver and enthusiastic supporter of the CHAIN Handybus that serves Hungerford and the surrounding region. CHAIN enables journeys to hospitals, therapy centres and shops, as well as facilitating day-trips for local groups. During the height of Covid, CHAIN vehicles were also delivering food parcels and taking people to vaccination centres. CHAIN is a vital charity getting people out of their homes and to essential destinations, and in the process, combating isolation, loneliness and depression. It is little surprise that in 2003 CHAIN was awarded one of the first Queen's Golden Jubilee Awards for voluntary service in the community.

CHAIN is entirely reliant on donations and the combined efforts of its volunteers, many of whom use their own vehicles to get passengers to vital appointments. CHAIN has two specialist vehicles, the Chairman for single wheelchair passengers, and the Handybus, which is the mainstay of our multi-passenger transport. The Handybus has been a great asset over recent years, but it needs to be replaced in 2024.

This presents a major fundraising challenge for CHAIN; which I am committed to help with my transport-related sponsored challenges. Back in April 2023 my challenge was on foot, when I ran the London Marathon (my first ever marathon!) in aid of CHAIN. For my next challenge I am switching to two wheels, and on 26th May 2024 I will be participating in the Ride London-Essex 100 mile cycle ride, which is one of the London “Classics” (London Marathon, Ride-London, Serpentine Swim). Each competitor has a maximum of eight hours to complete the circuit that starts and ends in London with a loop out into Essex. That may sound straightforward, except that the last time I rode a bike more than 30 miles in a day was 14 years ago, when I still had hair! I will need a lot of training between now and the big-day; much of it in challenging weather over the winter months. Much of this will be completed with members of Newbury Road Club who are providing great help with rides, motivation and friendly advice.

Personally, I need every ounce of support and encouragement to ride those 100 miles that await me in London. Please consider making a donation to CHAIN, and every one of you that does will be boosting my motivation to succeed, and I will imagine you all cheering me on!

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