Colin gets on his bike in memory of his pal
An air traffic controller is using pedal power to raise money for charity.
Colin Green, from Mauchline, is cycling almost 500 miles in memory of his late friend Tim Jenkins who died in December.
Colin, who is an NATS employee based in Hampshire, is cycling from Swanwick Control Centre, Hampshire, to Prestwick Control Centre. He’s been inspired to raise money for Transplant Sport after colleague and friend Tim died after a short battle with cancer.
The former Auchinleck Academy pupil is hoping to reach Prestwick in just six days, covering 495 miles.
He will cycle unsupported, with no accompanying vehicles and no hotels or indoor accommodation.
A spokesperson for NATS (National Air Traffic Services) said: “Colin has trained by getting in as many miles as possible on his bike, largely at night so as not to disturb home-schooling his daughter.
“Since December, training has included carrying all of the equipment he needs to travel with to get used to the extra weight.
“He’ll be carrying the kit ‘bikepacking’ style and is camping en route, using a minimalist ‘tarp and bivvi’ set up, as this will be lighter and more flexible.”
Colin and Tim began air traffic controller training at the NATS college, which used to be based in Bournemouth, in 2008. Both were later posted to Terminal Control at the Swanwick Centre.
Colin declared: “We then moved to different parts of the business, but I’d regularly bump into Tim, whether in work or out on group rides with a local mountain bike group. Cycling always ended up being the topic of conversation. He was a good friend and colleague to many and is very missed.
“By doing this challenge, which is fitting as we used to cycle together, I hope to raise £1000 for Transplant Sport in Tim’s name.”
Transplant Sport UK aims to raise awareness of the need for organ donation. Through organising sports and social events for transplant recipients, the charity shows the benefits of organ donation and proves that people can lead a normal and active life again after transplantation.