A WARRINGTON man is teaming up with five former work colleagues to raise money for the National Autism Society.
Rick Long, who has a 10-year-old son with autism, will be taking part in a sponsored 125 mile bike ride with 
former contemporaries Jon Hobson, Niall Ford, Steve Coulson, Dave Scully and Dave Maddocks.
They will be riding from Walney Island in Cumbria to Wear in Sunderland in the hope of becoming “Grand Intenders” by raising £1,000 from the ride.
NAS has set up a fundraising scheme known as Grand Intenders for all donation events, with local charities Families United and Warrington Association for Special Children also benefiting from the money raised.
Rick said: “We are all really looking forward to this big cycling adventure. We think it should take about two and a half days as we aim to do about 50 miles a day. There will be some big hills to climb but I am sure it will be lots of fun, especially as we know that we are going to raise money to help people that are affected by autism like my son.”
NAS Director of Fundraising, Trevor Anderton, added: “We are so grateful that Rick and his friends have chosen to support the NAS in this bike ride. Autism affects around one in a hundred people and all the money they raise will go towards supporting people with autism to fulfil their potential.”
Two other Warrington men, who are employed by a Manchester Telecommunications company will be completing the Manchester 10k run also in aid of the charity.
Alan Spencer and Mark West have raised £200 so far and are looking to have raised even more by the time they take part in the race on Sunday.
Alan said: “We have been training hard for the BUPA Great Manchester Run and are really looking forward to a great day on Sunday. So far we have collected around £200 but are hoping to get even more as we know all the money raised will go to support people with autism.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the six riders should send cheques made payable to ‘The National Autistic Society’ and quoting ‘Rick Long’ and send to Fundraising Team, The National Autistic Society, 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG.
Anyone wishing to donate to Alan and Mark should make a cheque payable to the same name, with the same address, quoting ‘Alan Spencer’ or ‘Mark West.’
Pictured: Rick Long and his son
Fundraisers get on their bikes
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
