BERWICK FOR BRIAN

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: october 2013 :: RMTnews 24 BERWICK FOR BRIAN B erwick Rail RMT branch chair Martin McCleary and Berwick station manager Sam Livesey completed a gruelling 90 mile cycle from Berwick Station to South Shields Regional RMT office in aid of Brian Munro Cancer Fighting Fund. The route would take the pair right along the beautiful Northumberland coast via Seahouses, Alnmouth, Amble, Creswell and Whitley Bay. "My branch wanted to donate some money to the fund for this worthwhile cause but unfortunately we were low on funds after hosting this year’s Engineering grades conference so I decided to try and raise some money through a sponsored cycle. "My manager Sam was a keen cyclist so I persuaded him to join me and we quickly started collecting sponsors explained Martin. The bike ride came just three days after Martin completed the BUPA Great North Run in one hour 37mins so it was a huge challenge to complete such a long distance. "My main concern was the weather, we had two days to choose from and plumped for the Wednesday and fortunately the weather was fantastic, dry and a north westerly tail wind, it really couldn't have been better. "The ride was hard going in places especially the 15 mile stretch between Amble and Ashington where I really had nothing left in my legs but the thought of a nice pub lunch kept us going and we knew that once we got there we had only had 20 miles to go," said Martin. After setting off at 05.30 the pair arrived in North Shields at 1530 and caught the ferry across the Tyne to South Shields after cycling the length of Northumberland. Along the way they were lucky enough to witness some great views. "The sun rising over the coast as we left Berwick and the sight of Bamburgh Castle as we turned a corner were highlights but if I am honest the best view was the welcoming party in South Shields as we finally arrived just after 4pm," Martin said. The cycle ride has raised £335 through sponsorship and an extra £500 via RMT North East Regional Council donation and a cheque for £835 was presented at the finish line in front of RMT relief regional organiser Craig Johnston and RMT North East regional council secretary Mark Beresford. “Hopefully the money can help Brian continue to receive the best treatment possible and I would personally like to thank RMT members for their donations and the support we have received in helping making this such a success,” said Martin.