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| Ex MGP Competitors Charity
Ride
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A former Manx Grand Prix competitor from Douglas is
taking part in another two-wheeled challenge to raise money for the National
Deaf Children's Society.
Despite horrific injuries suffered during a
crash in practice for the 1979 MGP, Donald Russell, 46, hopes in October to
cycle more than 300 miles across Cuba to raise £2,500 to support deaf
children in the Island and in the UK.
Donald, an engineer for the Manx
Electric Railway, said: 'I saw an advert for the challenge in a newspaper at
Christmas and thought it would be a great idea.
'After my accident in
1979 it took me two years to fully recover and I was left with a
semi-artificial knee joint. 'Two years ago a friend of mine was really into
cycling and I thought it would be a great way to get out and about despite my
injury.
'Ever since I've frequently cycled as much as possible including
cycling to work and last year I managed to cycle around the TT course with my
11-year-old son William.
Donald trains mostly at weekends but admits he
is daunted by the prospect of cycling an average of 75 miles a day under the
hot Cuban sun.
Donald said: 'This is a real personal and daunting
challenge for me though I'm determined to succeed and raise as much money as I
can for the NCDS.
The journey begins in Hanabilla where Donald will join
a group of adventurers from around the UK who will stay in the saddle for
around seven hours each day until they reach their destination in Varadero
several days later.
Donald needs as much fundraising support as possible
if he is to attempt the challenge and he is looking for donations of any
sort.
If you can sponsor Donald on his cycle challenge across Cuba he
can be contacted on
01624 672430
or e-mail:
dfar@btinternet.com
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