Superfit Graham's super pedal power helps raise almost £2,000 for Children's Hospital ward

Warm-hearted Graham Nelmes, who is now 75 and from Grotton, has just completed an epic London to Swansea bike ride, raising almost £2,000 for Ward 84 at Manchester Children's Hospital.

Graham was inspired to get on his bike by his friend's daughter, Avalon White, who attends Denshaw CofE Primary School. 

Such was her excellent treatment at the MCH following a T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma diagnosis in 2017, Graham felt he just had to act, particularly given that September was Child Cancer Awareness Month too.

Thanks to the 'amazing' NHS, inspirational Avalon is now two years in remission after ringing the bell in February, 2020.

Refecting on his epic charity ride, Graham told us: "I completed the ride from London to Swansea without a puncture or permanent damage to myself or the bike!

"The ride was full of highlights.

"Cycling through London was one and much safer than I anticipated.

"Among others were Richmond and Windsor Great Park, cycling through the centre of Bath and crossing the Severn Bridge.

"I cycled 290 miles, although the trip was 250 in theory. 

"I followed the National Cycle Route 4 which is well signposted in parts, but still easy to get lost on; hence the extra miles.

"I was quite proud of myself given my advanced years!

"I did a lot of research before the trip.

"The general consensus was that a road bike would be fine – it wasn’t.

"You need knobbly tyres, suspension and low gearing for hills.

"The days in South Wales were the hardest.

"It was very hilly around Pontypridd and cycling from Port Talbot to Swansea was easily forgotten.

"The end, however, was brilliant.

"From the new marina and university campus to Mumbles was a flat sweep of Swansea Bay."

There is still time to donate to the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust charity.

You can click on Graham's JustGiving page here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.