Peter's peddling for Paris thanks to Count Me In!
Tewkesbury resident Peter Godwin has been inspired by the town's Count Me In! programme to saddle-up for a gruelling 400-mile cycle challenge to raise £10,000 for The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
Peter, who turns 55 this summer, has been using the new Count Me In! facilities including the adiZone and Newtown Cycle Track to get in shape for the Pedal to Paris challenge. The former naval warrant officer from Stonehills in
Tewkesbury, will join a group of cyclists to ride from London to Paris, however not content with the scheduled route, Peter
will ride an extra 120 miles prior to the official start of the challenge, by cycling from Tewkesbury to London.
“The Count Me In! programme has come at the perfect time, not just for me but for everyone in the town who has always wanted to get fit and healthy but has never had the inspiration or the required advice. Between the door-to-door advisers and the new facilities in the town, there is now every opportunity for people to get active. It's been a great inspiration to me, pushing me to see just how much I can achieve. In just six months I've dropped two stone and now have my Type-2 diabetes under control – I'm the fittest and healthiest that I've been for some time,” said Peter.
Peter will set out from Tewkesbury for London on August 31st where he will meet the other cyclists taking part in the challenge. The group will take part in commemorative wreath laying ceremonies along the route before they arrive at their final destination - the Arc de Triomphe on September 6th, where a final wreath will be laid.
Peter is required to raise £800 to take part in the challenge, but he has set his sights much higher in the hope he can aid not only the Poppy Appeal, but also boost the Royal British Legion Club in Tewkesbury and the town itself.
“I've set the bar very high and I'm dependent on the support of local people and businesses to reach my £10,000 target. I've already received sponsorship from Gym & Tonic, who are helping me with my training, but I would urge other local businesses to get involved and show their support for a worthwhile charity that does such a good job in Tewkesbury,” added Peter.
People can support Peter by visiting: www.justgiving.co.uk/TeamTewkesbury