CYCLING from Great Yarmouth to Spalding is the latest challenge being taken on by a postman in memory of one of his colleagues who lost his battle with cancer.
Ade Mills (44) has already raised almost £1,700 for the cancer ward at Pilgrim Hospital where Robbie Coats was treated more than three years ago and now he hopes to add to that by taking on the 112-mile coastal route on May 20.
Ade, who lives on Wygate Park, Spalding, said: “When you raise money for charity it’s great but you don’t always get to see where it goes. When I took the last cheque to Pilgrim Hospital they showed me the equipment they were going to buy.
“It made it so much more worthwhile.”
Ade will be joined on the last 45 miles of the trip by friend Tony Quinton, of Seas End Road, Surfleet, who had major reconstructive chest surgery after being diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer.
The pair met while Ade was on his rounds and they both realised they were wearing Livestrong wrist bands in support of cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was twice diagnosed with cancer but recovered to win the Tour de France.
“To do the full distance will be a little bit much for Tony but by then I will be flagging and it’ll give me a bit of support,” said Ade.
Ade and Tony hope to return to the Royal Mail sorting office on Enterprise Way, Pinchbeck, between 4.30-5pm on the day and are welcoming supporters to cheer their homecoming.
Ade added: “Robbie was an amazing man and very well known in the Spalding area. He was a very good cricketer and played for a couple of local teams.
“He also loved football, especially Manchester United, and he also played as a semi-professional as well. He played in the 1970s in the same Boston United team as Howard Wilkinson and Jim Smith who went on to manage at the top level.
“Robbie’s other great passion was music, especially Northern Soul. I will always remember him singing and dancing around at work to what ever was on the radio.”
l Anyone who would like to donate can pledge at any Post Office in the Spalding area, M&S Food in Spalding, and at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ADEMILLS.