NGK super-cyclist for NZ
Super cyclist Stuart Bayne is to undertake another marathon charity ride to raise funds for the NZ Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA).
Stuart, who is sales manager – north for NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, last year completed an 1,100km sponsored cycle ride through Europe to raise more than £17,000 for the charity and this year is planning to go even further by cycling the length of New Zealand’s South and North Islands – a distance of some 2,100km.
Ignition specialist NGK – the leading supplier of original equipment (OE) spark plugs, glow plugs and NTK sensors – will once again be a main sponsor of his charity ride with a number of NGK customers, colleagues and friends also pledging funds.
Stuart (53) said: “Inspired by my cycle ride last year across Europe, I intend to go one better this time round. Lands’ End to John O’Groats crossed my mind, but clearly was not a big enough challenge, so during December, I will be undertaking a charity cycle ride of over 2,100km as I aim to travel from Bluff at the southern tip of New Zealand through the South Island, crossing Cook Strait on the ferry and continuing through the North Island, ending my ride at Cape Reinga, the northernmost part of the country.
“I will be raising funds for the New Zealand Down’s Syndrome Association, of whom I have first-hand knowledge, as a parent, of their activities to support and encourage people of all ages with Down’s Syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.”
Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 in the body’s cells which occurs by chance at conception.
The NZ DSA is the only organisation in the country focusing solely on all aspects of living successfully with Down’s Syndrome and aims to help people live full and rewarding lives.
The father-of-three, who lives in Haverhill, Suffolk, said: “The start of the journey will see me ride over quite flat ground so I plan to cover as many km a day as possible before I reach more challenging terrain where the elevation I will encounter will rise by as much as 1,400m in a day.”
Stuart, whose wife Ruth hails from New Zealand, will be accompanied on his journey by his father-in-law Barrie Atkins, who will drive the support vehicle.
Anyone wishing to support his marathon ride, which sets off from Bluff on December 4 and ends at Cape Reinga, on December 22, should contact him on 0044(0)7770 382377 or email him at stuart.bayne@ngk.co.uk Alternatively you can copy the link below into your browser to make a donation. give.everydayhero.com/nz/bottom-up