Daring David completed ‘Clock to Rock’ cycling challenge
Fundraiser David Ainger cycled 95 miles a day for 14 days from the clock of Big Ben in London to the Rock of Gibraltar and raised more than £1,100 for assistance dog charity Canine Partners.
David, 53, of Chichester, cycled 1,600 miles during the course of 16 days through France and Spain to reach Gibraltar, with just two rest days.
The money David raised will help the Charity to train more assistance dogs, transforming the lives of people with disabilities. Canine Partners trains dogs to perform tasks such as opening and closing doors, undressing, pressing buttons, retrieving items, unloading washing machines, taking card and cash from ATMs and other everyday tasks that disabled people find difficult, painful or impossible to do for themselves.
David, a catering manager, said: “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet lots of interesting people along the way and also to see France and Spain in a way that you wouldn’t see it whilst driving, the added bonus to all this was that I managed to raise over a thousand pounds to help Canine Partners
“I am doing the challenge for Canine Partners because I am an abled bodied person who can achieve a massive challenge to help out a charity that helps give people independence and a quality of living.”
Canine Partners was formed in 1990 so is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. They have partnered 582 assistance dogs across the UK to date. These amazing dogs have changed the lives of those they are helping: restoring independence, giving family members peace of mind, allowing their disabled partners to return to work and even saving lives by responding in emergencies.
Holly Bryan, Events and Challenge Coordinator for Canine Partners, said: “What David has achieved is phenomenal and has certainly gone the extra mile to raise money for Canine Partners.
“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donations so all the money David raised from his incredible feat will enable us to partner more people with disabilities with our amazing assistance dogs.”
To sponsor David, visit www.justgiving.com/Dave-Ainger.
To find out more about how to take on a challenge in aid of Canine Partners, please contact Holly Bryan on 01730 716013 or email hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk.