Batley cyclist bids to raise £5k for good causes which helped him out of mentally 'dark time'

A man from Batley is putting the pedal to the metal to help charities close to his heart.
Father-of-two Chris Bishop-West, 34, from Soothill LaneFather-of-two Chris Bishop-West, 34, from Soothill Lane
Father-of-two Chris Bishop-West, 34, from Soothill Lane

Father-of-two Chris Bishop-West, 34, from Soothill Lane, will be hopping on his bicycle to ride 1,200 miles in a bid to raise £5,000.

Mr Bishop-West will be splitting the cash between mental health charity Andy’s Man Club and Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, two organisations which he said have a ‘personal meaning’ to him.

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He said: “Both charities are personal to me. Andy’s Man Club helped me through a very dark time in my life during the early part of last year.

Chris is raising cash for Andy's Man Club and Guide Dogs for the BlindChris is raising cash for Andy's Man Club and Guide Dogs for the Blind
Chris is raising cash for Andy's Man Club and Guide Dogs for the Blind

“Guide Dogs for the Blind is a charity which I’ve always supported because my grandad lost his sight at 14 years old. He worked his whole life with no vision, so I’m aware of the good work the association does to help the blind and partially sighted.”

The Batley cyclist, who described his physique as ‘dad bod’, will be starting his journey in February and hopes to ride 100 miles per week, travelling around the north Kirklees area.

For the bike ride, the family man will be painting his bike half white and black to represent both the issues the charities face day in day out. He will also be raising the funds as part of his campaign Let there be Light fundraising event.

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He said: “The black represents the darkess mental health issues can leave someone in, while the white represents the light when someone struggling receives helps.

“The white on the bike will also potray the light of sight with the black highlights the loss of sight.”

As part of the challenge, the fundraising rider will be holding an event at the Holiday Inn, Tong Lane, Bradford on March 27.

For the event, Mr Bishop-West is hoping to bring in high-profile sports guest speakers.

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He said: “I’m looking for companies to sponsor tables or even the event itself. There will be opportunities to sponsor auction prizes too.”

If you would like to get involved with sponsoring the event, email: [email protected]

If you would like to donate, visit online: www.gofundme.com/f/chris039s-campaign-for-andys-man-club-limited