West Midlands Police Officers Get On Their Bikes For Children's Charity
Wednesday, 10 March, 2010
Back (L-R): PC Ian Patrick, PC Rhys Williams, Insp Derek Packham, PC Chris Brock, Sgt Bev Lane, Insp Mark Powell, Sgt Allan Green, Mike Vaughan and Matt Clinton (both from Mike Vaughan Cycles)
A team of more than 30 West Midlands police officers are getting ready to take on a 100-mile cycle challenge to raise funds for children's charity Action Medical Research.
Team West Mids has been amassed by Road Policing Officer PC Chris Brock, based at the Stechford Operational Command Unit, and will take part in the charity's Outdoors Show 100 bike ride on Sunday 28 March. The ride starts at the National Exhibition and Conference Centre (NEC) in Birmingham and heads out through Warwickshire then into the Cotswolds hills where the team will tackle tough climbs up Saintbury Hill and Snowshill.
Chris, 33, who is leading the challenge, only became a serious cyclist six months ago, having got involved in a cycle to work scheme. The event will be his first ever 100-mile ride - the furthest he's cycled so far is 50 miles.
The 31-strong police team involves various ranks and departments and has a mixture of men and women of various ages and cyclists of various abilities.
The charity cause is very close to Chris's heart as he and his wife, Karen, have experienced the heartbreak of four miscarriages. The charity's Touching Tiny Lives appeal specifically funds research that aims to prevent pregnancy complications and premature birth, as well as help sick and vulnerable babies.
Karen and other family members have volunteered to help out on the day and three-year-old daughter Libby will be there to cheer her dad on.
Chris said: "All the riders have been hard in training for the event and are looking forward to the challenge of the day. Any charity which supports children is an excellent cause and one which we as a team are fully supporting in our efforts."
Team West Mids are being kindly supported by Mike Vaughan Cycles in Kenilworth, who are supplying kit.
To sponsor Chris and the team please visit:
www.action.org.uk/sponsor/teamwestmids
Anyone who is interested in taking part in future 100-mile or 100km cycling events themselves can find out more at
www.action.org.uk/100
