Covering ground
Blackpool postman Darren Lewin has been pushing out the miles in aid of two causes close to his heart – the Love Mercy Foundation, a charity that helps impoverished communities in Uganda, and non-league football club Hartley Wintney FC.
Darren has climbed and cycled more than 450 miles in eight days across two countries – but the pain will be worth it to help others.
‘The Love Mercy Foundation was set up 10 years ago by an Australian athlete, Eloise Wellings, who I met and made friends with at the Commonwealth Games,’ said Darren. ‘She set it up with a former Ugandan athlete, Julius Achon. In February this year, while on holiday in Australia, I attended the 10th anniversary celebration of their charity.
‘I chose my non-league football club, Hartley Wintney, as my other cause, as despite playing just three leagues below the Football League, they have very limited finances. The pandemic has hit the little village football club really hard, especially as we compete against clubs with much bigger budgets.’
Day one saw Darren travel from Blackpool to St Andrews Golf Club in Scotland, before an 83-mile cycle from Keswick to Castle Douglas on the second day
‘The Gretna to Castle Douglas section was really tough as it was along roads between tall trees and on the flat,’ explains Darren. ‘So, with a very strong wind and a few heavy showers, it made for some tough going and I struggled to do much quicker than eight-minute miles.
‘Day three was another hard day with strong winds to fight against as I cycled to Kilbarchan. This was an 87-mile day and despite leaving at 7.30am, I didn't arrive at my overnight accommodation until just before 7pm.’
Day four saw 50 miles covered to Crianlarich, above Loch Lomond and the fifth day was a 52-mile stretch to Fort William.
‘After a late lunch in Fort William, I spent the next six hours climbing up and down Ben Nevis, which was a bit challenging as I only had trainers on – but I was glad I did it.
‘Day six was a cycle back to Crianlarich and day seven involved a 50-mile cycle from Crianlarich to Perth, which was nice as it’s mostly flat. My final day was a leisurely 35-mile pedal to St Andrews via Dundee.’
Darren is now planning to do a further ride from Blackpool to Snowdon and back over the August bank holiday weekend. Click here if you would like to help Darren with his fundraising.
