8-year-old to ride from Manchester to Liverpool for charity
4:40pm Saturday 30th May 2009 in News
FOR most young lads a cycle ride is a way to get to school, a friend’s house or even a quick trip to the local shop.
But for eight-year-old Jack Munro it means a 39-mile journey from Manchester to Liverpool, to raise cash for an organisation which clears land mines from war-torn countries.
The keen cyclist is taking part in the race with his dad, Heath, on a tandem-style bicycle tomorrow and they are hoping to complete the ride in three hours.
Mr Munro, aged 40, of Redwood, Westhoughton, said: “Jack is a big fan of cycling. Lance Armstrong is his hero.
“I am very proud of him wanting to take part. I’m pleased we’re doing the race together, hopefully it will be the first of many.”
Jack, a pupil at St George’s Primary School in Daisy Hill, added: “I am really excited. I love cycling, it is my favourite thing to do. I am a little bit nervous that I might get a bit tired but I really want to raise some money for charity.”
The pair have been out training and regularly cycle 20 miles together.
They are raising cash for MAG — the Mines Advisory Group — a Manchester-based international charity which clears land mines and other explosive devices from former war zones. It is currently working in Sri Lanka, Iraq, Lebanon, Angola, Sudan, Rwanda and Cambodia.
Mr Munro said: “I fully support what MAG is trying to do. My mum would have appreciated it because she was one of the biggest fans of Princess Diana and clearing land mines was a cause she championed.”
If Sunday’s race proves successful Jack will attempt the 60-mile Manchester to Blackpool ride next year.
Anyone wanting to sponsor Jack can contact Mr Heath on 01942 859382.
