Cycle challenge to help rebuild lives worldwide

JPCT 050814 S14321484x Billingshurst. James Marchant is cycling the Ride London-Surrey 100 cycle ride for Cafod -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-140508-122939001

On Sunday James Marchant, of High Street, cycled the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 with about 24,000 other cyclists.

They took the route taken by the Olympic cyclists took in 2012 from the Olympic Park in east London down through the Surrey countryside and back to London finishing in The Mall.

Speaking last week the father of two said: “I’ve been cycling since before I was in primary school – but not 100-mile distances.

Billingshurst resident James Marchant visits Philippino factory supported by the Catholic aid charity Cafod - picture submitted

“A bike has always been my preferred method to get around, especially in London, so I’m looking forward to Sunday’s ride although it will be tough.”

He was raising money for the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (Cafod), for which he has worked seven years.

The charity helps people in more than 40 countries.

James, 53, said: “I believe strongly in Cafod’s partnership approach - supporting local organisations so that decisions about what is important are made where they are felt. Our church partners are often able to reach people and places that others can’t.

“My visits to Cafod programmes have shown me how we can change the lives of people around the world – whether helping people who have lost their homes in Colombia to find new ways of making a living, or supporting small-scale farmers in Zimbabwe to make the most of their land.”

He is pictured here with Columbian farmers who had been forced to abandon their homes in the countryside and move to the city because of armed conflict. Cafod helped them set up a small garment-making business, which has given them new skills and new hope.

There is still time to sponsor him. Go to www.justgiving.com/JamesMarchant-CAFOD to make a donation.

For more information about CAFOD go to www.cafod.org.uk