Andy worries about his 'nether regions' on charity bike ride

A SOUTH Somerset man will cycle 700 miles to reach Lisbon in Portugal in just 13 days to raise money for the charity his daughter set up to support a health centre in the Zambian bush.

Andy Sales, 57, of Somerton, will be taking on the mighty Picos mountains and cycling under the blistering sun of a Portugese May.

But it is the distance, not the mountains, that is Andy's biggest concern. Andy, speaking with a certain amount of seriousness, joked: “I hope I can accustom my nether regions to the realities of hours spent in the saddle!”

Andy is cycling to raise money for 'Hands for Handenu' which supports a Healthcare Clinic in the poverty stricken region of Lufwanyama in Zambia.

The charity was set up by Andy's youngest daughter, Katie, two years ago then aged 24, who spent six months living and working at the clinic.

When asked why he was putting himself through this monster of a bike ride, Andy said: “After hearing Katie's tales about mothers carrying sick children many miles on their backs, and recently having had my first grandchild I can't imagine the heartbreak and frustration families suffer when unable to get the help they need.’’

PHOTO: Andy Sales on his bike for charity.

Andy is raising money for the charity’s £10,000 ‘You’re a Brick’ campaign to fund the building of a nurse's house. Without a house there can be no nurse as the clinic is inaccessible by road.

Andy will travel with seven other amateurs, who are also raising money for Africa-based charities.

The team will be setting off on their 700-mile journey from St Cleers Chapel in Somerton on May 11.

They will cycle to Plymouth, catch a ferry over to Santander on the coast of Spain and from there the fundraisers will head southwards through Spain climbing through the Picos Mountains and crossing into the north of Portugal at Mirando do Douro.

They will then catch the train along the beautiful Douro Valley, but this will not cut off any miles from their journey as it lies horizontal to their route.

Andy and Co will then continue south towards Nazare with glimpses of the Atlantic to spur them onwards.

After Nazare they begin their final push towards Lisbon, aiming to arrive on May 23 after an impressive 13 days in the saddle!

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