Shropshire Star

Cycling to London from Shropshire using canals all the way

This weekend, a cycle-mad father and son will depart Shropshire on bikes and navigate England's waterways all the way to the capital.

Published
Father and son Richard and Harvey Hodgkins will be cycling all the way from north Shropshire to London using cycle paths this weekend, to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association

Richard Hodgkins and his son Harvey plan to ride 172 miles from their home in Chipnall, near Market Drayton, to Regent's Park in London. They will use canals including the Shropshire Union Canal and stay with family en route.

They are no strangers to the beginning section of the route, having successfully cycled into Birmingham using the canal, but this weekend's effort will be their biggest challenge yet.

It is all to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, a cause close to their hearts – Harvey's nanny Dee and uncle Trevor have died of Motor Neurone Disease in recent years.

Richard said that Harvey has been a keen cyclist for years, and the idea came from his effort for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Richard said: "The 200 year old plus canals are our direct cycle path straight to the capital, but come with all sorts of surprises. Sore bums are guaranteed. Please support us, it would be really appreciated."

He is proud of the amount already raised – more than £1,600 at the time of writing.

Learn more about the cause and donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-hodgkins3.