Storrington hen supporter gets on his bike for charity

A Storrington resident has taken part in a fundraising challenge as well as writing a murder mystery novel to raise funds for the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT).
Storrington resident Martin Standen at the iconic Taj Mahal SUS-140904-093031001Storrington resident Martin Standen at the iconic Taj Mahal SUS-140904-093031001
Storrington resident Martin Standen at the iconic Taj Mahal SUS-140904-093031001

Martin Standen, his wife Debbie, their son and four rescue hens live in the village where Martin loosely based his novel ‘A Question of Loyalty’. Readers might recognise glimpses of the area and will enjoy a certain chicken incident!

Martin rode 500k through Rajasthan earlier this year and said: “I booked a Charity Challenge trip as part of a group all raising funds for a variety of charities. The event was a bike ride covering 500k through Rajasthan over six days (an average of over 55 miles per day), from Agra to Ramgarth near Jaipur via Ranthambhore in the South.

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Martin continues: “Our trip took us mostly through rural countryside and much farmland and villages.

“The highlight for me was cycling through the manically hectic towns with tuk-tuks, taxis, motorbikes, vans, rickshaws and pedestrians all weaving and zipping their own haphazard way on the roads, with every single one leaning on their horns. An intense concentration was needed just to stay on the bike. Whilst on my journey I was struck by the abject poverty of most citizens, alongside the acceptance of their lot. The joy as children came out of their homes to wave us on our way is something I will remember for a long time.”

Through his Just Giving Site Martin is aiming to raise hundreds of pounds in recognition of this challenge and through a donation from the sale of his books. http://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Standen2

Naomi Oxborough, Community Fundraiser for The British Hen Welfare Trust said: “Martin and his family have already shown support of the charity by rehoming seven chickens in nearly five years.

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“It is fantastic that he has also raised awareness of us so far from home at such an iconic landmark, congratulations on completing the cycle challenge. To offer a donation from the sale of his books is an added bonus. I’d like to say a very big thank you from us all at the British Hen Welfare Trust, support like this means we can continue our vital work.”

Report and picture contributed by the British Hen Welfare Trust.