A TEACHER from Warwick took on a gruelling cycle challenge to help save lives in Syria – and then kept pedalling.
Darren Walden, deputy head at Avon Valley School in Rugby, set himself the challenge last year of cycling 5,480 miles – the equivalent distance from his Warwick home to the conflict-stricken city of Aleppo and back again – in just 12 months to help the British Red Cross’s lifesaving work in the war-torn country.
But when he smashed through that mileage target with a few months left, he just kept going and finally managed to cover 7,000 miles.
Darren’s friends, family, colleagues and students have sponsored him to the tune of £2,400.
He said: “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported me and made donations to my charity fundraising. I managed to raise a fantastic amount of money that I know will be well used in supporting those less fortunate than ourselves.
“Everyone has been extremely kind and generous with support, encouragement, positivity and donations. After a short rest, I am now back on the bike and looking for some new challenges!”
The Syria conflict is now in its seventh year. Over 6.3million people have fled their homes because of fighting and another 4.9million now live as refugees in neighbouring countries and beyond. The Red Cross and partners the Red Crescent aim to provide food, shelter and medical care to those affected.
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Darren-Walden1 to donate.
