A UTTOXETER family are preparing to cycle from Gretna Green to the town in time for a football match in memory of a soldier killed in Afghanistan — all in the name of charity.
Dee Roberts, 51, son Alex, 13, of Slade Fields, and her daughter Sarah Collins, 30, of Windsor Road, will be doing the bike ride to raise funds for Help for Heroes and the Army Dependants Trust Fund, with Dee’s husband Ron following behind in a support vehicle.
The ride is in memory of Lance Corporal Barry Buxton who was driving alongside the Nahr-e Bughra canal when the road collapsed causing the vehicle to roll into the canal.
The family will start at Gretna Green on September 29 at 9am, travelling 60 miles a day until they reach Oldfields Hall Middle School on October 3 in time for match.
During their epic journey they will be stopping in Meir, where Lance Corporal Buxton lived with his wife Emma, to drum-up support and sponsorship before hitting the A50 back to Uttoxeter.
Mr Roberts said: “We are good friends with Sharon and Steve Hudson, the parents of Barry, and we knew Barry well.
When we heard what had happened we were shocked and very saddened.
“Our son Alex said he was going to do a 100 mile bike ride with friends from the Army Cadets but it did not happen so we decided that we would do it ourselves and it went from there.
“We have decided to do 200 miles and it will be a challenge.
“We are hoping to get into the Old Trafford ground for a look round on the ride as my son is a Manchester United fan.” Mrs Roberts has been training at Gym and Tonic, in Dovefields Retail Park, where they have been helping with her training regime which involves cycling and walking.
Signs will also be provided by JCA Graphics saying what they are doing and the charities.
Mr Roberts said: “We need all the sponsorship we can get.
“We are hoping to borrow a motor home from a friend which will save money on bed and breakfasts and will be used if there is an emergency such as someone falling off their bike.
“It will also mean we will be more self-reliant with no one else to worry about.
“I think that it is starting to hit home now what we are going to be doing as when we get back from our holiday we will be back training.” Anyone wanting to sponsor the ride is asked to visit www.heronet.org.uk/home.php or e-mail ronandee@btinternet.com.
The football match will see a Uttoxeter Town Select side play Wolves All Stars, which will feature legends including Don Goodman, Andy Thompson, Keith Downing and Mel Eves.
Lance Corporal Buxton’s brothers Gareth and Ashley will captain the Uttoxeter Town team and his eight-year-old nephew Joshua will be mascot.
