Scott’s set to sizzle in the saddle

The paper’s deputy news editor has decided to take on a series of challenges to help raise £160,000 for the Wroughton-based hospice over the course of the year.

Among them is the Prospect’s own Big Bike Ride, a 55km trail across the Ridgeway, and Big Swim - 2.6km around Bowmoor sailing lake in Lechlade, as well as a Spartan Race.

A relative newcomer to cycling, the 26-year-old, of Nythe, said his only pedigree was completing a 100-mile event around the roads of Wiltshire last year.

“I somehow managed to complete the 100 miles last September and it was the single hardest event I’ve done,” he said.

“It hurt – a lot. But the pain has subsided now and so I am raring to go again and take on a challenge for Prospect this time.

“I’ve been meaning to do the Big Bike Ride for a while now and seeing as the Adver are doing this appeal it seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“But I wanted to go a step further and hopefully lead by example by taking on as much as I can so I joined the Adver’s fundraising committee and thought about what else I could do.

“Prospect also offer a Big Swim and to be honest it is well out of my comfort zone. The idea of swimming 2.6km, or 1.6 miles, in a freezing cold lake is not my idea of a good time.

“But I can’t really ask people to sponsor me if it’s not a challenge. The Spartan Race will be tough too – it’s a 13km run with 20-odd obstacles to get over, under or through. That’s the one I’m looking forward to the least if I’m honest.

“I’m looking to raise a modest £500 but I think I can smash that. I’m only asking people to donate once for all three events rather than one sponsorship per event.”

The Adver also has a team in the Swindon Phoenix Rotary Club’s annual Dragon Boat Race in June, of which Scott is a member.Adver staff will be taking part in a variety of events so look out for more individual stories to come.

To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/scottdarcy.