A BOROUGH fundraiser successfully conquered a 280-mile charity cycle ride in the scorching Vietnam heat for Challenge Cancer UK.
John Hoare, aged 35 and from Olton, cycled with 17 others from Saigon, in Vietnam, to Angkor Wat, Cambodia, over six days.
A mechanical engineer by trade – John joined the 17-strong team from one of his employers suppliers – air conditioning specialists Coolair Equipment.
The challenge, for John, started in February as he pushed his body to increasing limits in the build up to the ride and even tackled the notorious ‘Tumble Climb’ in Wales this summer.
John also hosted a table and sourced the top auction prize at Coolair Equipment’s sporting dinner – donating a signed Lewis Hamilton shirt which raised £900.
The fundraiser said he was overwhelmed by the support of his friends, family and work colleagues throughout the challenge.
He added: “My personal target was to raise £3,000, a target I’m delighted to have smashed.
“All of the fundraising events I’ve undertaken have been challenging in their own way but this cycle ride is the most daunting yet.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Neil Gibbard from Coolair Equipment for being the driving force behind this fundraising challenge and for inspiring such a successful fundraising result.”
The decision to raise money for Challenge Cancer UK was a simple one for John was has a personal story to tell.
John lost his Grandad to the disease and the 35-year-old’s wife, Rachel, sadly lost her father to cancer also.
Despite the sad nature of John’s past, he was determined to do his bit and admitted the heat was his biggest challenge throughout the ride.
He added: “We’ve raised a fantastic amount of money for charity and battling through the hot conditions was worth it in the end.
“At times it was 40 degrees so we had to drink plenty of fluid to keep us going.”
Simon Seaton-Smith, director at Couch Perry Wilkes, said: “We’re all very proud of John’s fundraising journey.
“His focus and determination is a true reflection of the qualities we look for in our workforce.”
To date, the Coolair Equipment cycle team has raised over £85,000 for Challenge Cancer UK, which will be split between 10 national cancer charities.
Visit www.justgiving.com/John-Hoare to support John following his inspirational fundraising effort.
