A keen cyclist who underwent heart surgery just two months ago is now preparing to tackle a 100-mile charity bike ride.
Cllr Peter Brookes, who represents Trimdon and Thornley ward on Durham County Council, hopes to cycle from Arnside in Cumbria to Seaton Carew in a single day later this month.
Cllr Brookes will be raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance, the chosen charity of Durham County Council’s Chairman, Cllr Bill Kellett.
“Earlier this year, I underwent a procedure to fix my fast, erratic heart rate,” Cllr Brookes said. “However, I’m now back on my bike and wanting to raise money for the Chairman’s charity.
“The Great North Air Ambulance is a very worthy cause – any one of us could need their help at any time. “
Cllr Brookes leads a charity bike ride in aid of the chairman’s charity each year. This year, he will be joined by fellow Trimdon Cycling Club member Neil O’Connor and Durham County Council officers David Shipman and Andrew Gilmore.
The group are being supported by Fleet Recruitment and Croner.
Cllr Kellett said: “I would like to wish Peter and the rest of the team the very best of luck with this year’s cycle ride. I’m sure it will be quite a challenge but their efforts are very much appreciated.”
The four plan to set off from Arnside at 7.30am on Friday, 22 September and hope to arrive back in the north east at about 5pm the same day.
Anyone who would like to sponsor them can visit Cllr Brookes’ Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/peter-brookes7.