Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Record ride bid in memory of parents
A determined barrister, who lost his parents to cancer, hopes to break the world record for the fastest bicycle ride from London to Paris to raise cash to fight the disease.
Jonathan Parker, of Albany Drive, Herne Bay, will take on the gruelling challenge later this summer in aid of the Cyclists Fighting Cancer charity.
The 41-year-old – who by the age of 33 had lost two uncles and his mother to cancer – lost his father to the disease in February.
Mr Parker said: “My family has been mobbed by cancer a little bit and because of that I wanted to do something to help other people hurt by it.
“It has hurt our family and what I am doing is to help other people who are suffering from it – I am trying to do something positive with it to help others.”
Although no official world record has been set for the ride, Mr Parker understands there is an unofficial record of 21 hours and 30 minutes.
The father-of-one – who was seriously injured in a fall a few years ago – hopes to complete the challenge in under 15 hours.
Mr Parker said: “I fell from a building down three floors on to concrete; my legs were badly broken, but I just had to get on with it.
“What made me start cycling was the consultant saying I might not be able to walk again.
“I am still pinned together in various places, but they said I would never do any sports again.
“I am 41 and I’m never going to be Bradley Wiggins, but I am proud of what I have achieved.”
Mr Parker will start his ride on Sunday, August 28.
He will leave Greenwich early in the morning to cycle around 60 miles to Newhaven, before boarding the ferry to Dieppe.
Once the ferry docks, Mr Parker will have to cycle a distance of around 110 miles to the Eiffel Tower.
The total time for the record will be measured from start to finish and will include checking in, boarding, and the five-hour ferry crossing.
Mr Parker said: “It will be a big step up. It is a very scientific sport and because everything is tested in a wind tunnel, you can get down to the little details.
“We know that the speed is achievable and, because we will have support vehicles, if we have any mechanical issues we will be able to switch bikes.”
To donate, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/jonathanparkerl2p