Hospital scientist's epic cycle ride across America - take two!
11 March 2015
A clinical scientist based at Leeds General Infirmary who has battled back after a cycling accident is planning an epic ride across America to raise money for brain research in Leeds.
Dr Mike Bosomworth planned to do a charity cycle ride of a lifetime last August and September to raise money for the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre.
Unfortunately he was knocked off his bike in June 2014 and sustained several fractured ribs and vertebrae and so this April and May, Mike is hoping it will be second time lucky as he will be taking up the challenge once again.
He will be cycling 4,200 miles from New York to San Francisco to celebrate his milestone 60th birthday (now 61) and having worked in the NHS for over forty years. He hopes to ride 100 miles per day with just one rest day in the week, the epic challenge will take Mike seven weeks to complete. Although he is currently planning it as a solo ride, he may be joined by friends and family to keep him company along different stages of the challenge.
Mike has already cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats, he regularly takes part in the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, has cycled coast to coast, completed parachute jumps and climbed Kilamanjaro; all for charity. This epic bike ride however is his biggest challenge yet!
He said: said: "I have been working for the NHS for over 40 years and when I reached my 60th birthday I wanted to celebrate these milestone anniversaries and take on the biggest challenge of my life. My dad and Aunt both had/have Alzheimer's and so I have seen at first hand the devastating impact of dementia, which is a massive and growing problem for all of us. Being able to prevent or cure dementia would do so much to improve people's lives and help the NHS in these austere times. I hope to raise at least £10,000 for the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre."
The father of three is expecting a tough physical and mental challenge. Mike will be camping and staying in motels throughout the route and he is paying all expenses himself, so 100% of money raised will go to the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre.
Currently he is half way towards achieving his target. He is grateful that Drake’s Cycles (Leeds), Spa Cycles (Harrogate) and Cotswold Outdoors (Leeds) have been willing to help him equip himself for this challenge.
Here is Mike's fundraising page:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=mikebosomworth
