OILS WELL THAT ENDS WELL FOR TOP CHARITY BIKER

A 32 year-old oil rig worker roused him himself from his slumber over the weekend to ensure his proud charity fund raising record wasn’t scuppered by work rosters!

Peter Watson, from Darlington, is a safety officer on a remote oil rig 200 miles off the Scottish coast. But he’s also a mad keen mountain biker and for the past two years he’s been the top charity fundraiser in the famous Great Milk Stout Ride, which takes place in 5,000-acre Hamsterley Forest, near Barnard Castle, on 30 September.

However, this year his shifts have conspired against him and when his mates are busy pedalling in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, he’ll be perched atop his windswept, wave- lashed platform.

Not to be thwarted, he saddled up early Sunday morning while others were napping to complete a 25 mile charity ride through the forest. He even got his buddies on the oil rig to fork out sponsorship cash!

Event co-ordinator Ollie Graham, from the Hamsterley Trailblazers, said:

“Peter was really devastated when he found out he couldn’t take part this year, but he’s shown others the way ahead by doing his charity ride early. It sums up the spirit of this event, which last year raised £5,000. We want more people to sign-up and help make it another record-breaking year.”

This is the 5th year that Great Milk Stout Ride has been held in Hamsterley and over that time it’s gone from strength to strength.

Organisers include the Hamsterley Trailblazers, Groundwork West Durham and the Forestry Commission, through its Active Woods campaign.

For the first time horse riders will be able to take part with a special trail quest event, while walkers can don their boots in aid of charity and complete either a six or 10 mile woodland trek. Not to be outdone, runners are being urged to sign up for a three or six mile jog and bikers have the choice of opting for a six mile family ride, or tougher 15 mile and 25 mile outings.

The original BBC Daleks and Cybermen, from the Dr Who series, will open the event, proving they are really softies at heart!

Alex MacLennan Recreation, Tourism and Communities Manager with the Forestry Commission, added:

“This is a fabulous event for a really worthwhile cause and we want folk to turn up and take part in their own favourite forest pastimes. It’s a great chance to do yourself and a local charity a power of good.“

Registration for all the activities is from 9am and costs £8 on the day, or £5 pre-event. Under 16 year olds are free. All cash will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Participants are also being encouraged to get sponsored by friends, family and work mates. Activities get underway at 10.30am at the Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre, except for the horse riding, which starts from the Grove Car Park, along the forest drive.

Further information and from Ollie Graham on 01388 662666. Entry form available here.