Alan gets on his bike for theatre
FUNDRAISER RACKS UP THE MILES BY DOING 7,866 LAPS
A volunteer who set out to save his local theatre from the impact of coronavirus has completed his gruelling challenge – two months ahead of schedule.
Alan Potts decided to cycle the equivalent distance from John O’Groats, in the North of Scotland, to Lands End in Cornwall to raise funds for the People’s Theatre in Heaton.
And he completed his extensive journey without leaving his hometown, swapping coastline and countryside views for 7,866 laps of the theatre.
The 72-year-old, who has cycled between 25 and 30 miles each day, said: “My joints are certainly feeling it now as it was intense, but I feel so proud that I have been able to do something for the theatre.
“People are thrilled to bits with what I have done and the support and encouragement has been amazing.”
Alan has raised £5,000 for the People’s Theatre, which receives no public funding and relies on the support of its local community and members.
Launched in 1911, it is the largest and longest established non-professional theatre in the North East.
However, the People’s Theatre is particularly special to Alan; he credits the theatre for saving his life after he lost his wife to leukaemia on Christmas Eve, 2018.
“It was always just me and my wife and I felt totally lost when she died and very, very lonely,” explained Alan.
But after joining the People’s Theatre as a volunteer he has since described finding a new purpose in life.
Alan, who is from Heaton, added: “I didn’t have many friends before I joined the theatre, but the theatre has really helped me and now I have so many contacts.
“I’ve also found a lot more confidence and I enjoy being at the theatre where I feel so welcome.”
To thank Alan for his efforts to protect the theatre, members of the community joined to clap and cheer as he completed his challenge.
Alan added: “I’m so grateful for the support of everyone in the local community and also those far and wide who have also donated. It’s incredibly generous.”
Donations can still be made to the People’s Theatre via Alan’s fundraising page at: https://uk.virginmoney giving.com/giving