Grandad rides for dear life (From St Helens Star)

Grandad rides for dear life

9:00am Saturday 25th August 2012 in News

A GRANDAD who had a hip replacement last year took little persuading to sign up for a sponsored cycle ride over 235 miles.

Saints fan Thomas Cefn Arrowsmith from Newton-le-Willows, who turns 73 next month, joined a team of cyclists who pedalled the muscle-straining distance from Southport to Hornsea in East Yorkshire, to raise money for an Intensive Care Unit.

Thomas’ daughter Lynn, who works at Warrington Hospital, persuaded him to help.

However the trip was longer than initially planned after the group took a wrong turn during the four-day trip, adding 20 miles to their journey.

The grandfather-of-three said: “I have never done anything like this before and it has been a big achievement for me.

“My daughter works very hard at the hospital and she was made up we have raised £300 so far.”

The fundraisers are hoping to eventually raise £25,000 for an oscillator, which helps patients with breathing problems.