POLICE officers and councillors are among those taking their bikes to an inaugural St Luke’s Hospice cycling fundraiser.
More than 150 people are expected to join the sponsored ride, either for 15 miles or 30 miles, as part of the community cycle challenge Pledge 2 Pedal on Sunday, May 20, at 9am.
The routes have been designed by Tony Levene, co-ordinator of Harrow Cyclists Group and a director of the London Cycling Campaign, and both begin and end at Byron Recreation Ground, in Christchurch Avenue, Wealdstone.
Harrow’s Borough Commander Dal Babu, who will be cycling with his daughter, is one of a number of police officers taking part, including Special Constable Patrick Ndungu.
Mr Ndungu said: “I am taking part in Pledge 2 Pedal because it is for a good cause and it’s a good way to keep fit, be active and interact with the community. Cycling is my hobby and this is a brilliant way to do something positive with it.”
His colleague, faith officer PC Mahesh Nandha, said the event will be marshalled by special constables – volunteers who have had the same training as police officers – while police will be giving cyclists kits on the day, which includes bike theft prevention advice.
Proceeds from the day will go to the Kenton Grange charity as part of its 25th anniversary £250,000 fundraising appeal that is supported by the Observer’s own Showing We Care Campaign.
Also taking to two wheels will be Harrow Labour councillors Krishna Suresh, who serves Rayners Lane ward, and West Harrow ward councillor Kairul Kareema Marikar.
Mr Suresh said: “I am a charitable person and support many causes in the UK. I’m always busy engaging in different communities and when it comes to charities I am there for them.
“People ask how I manage to support good causes while being a councillor and an actor and I say ‘If there is a will, there is a way’ and if I can do it, anyone can.”
Harrow Council’s community and cultural services portfolio holder, councillor David Perry (Labour), will also be taking part.
Registration for Pledge 2 Pedal is £15 for adults, £5 for under 16s and £35 for families (two adults and three children) and can be completed at www.stlukes-hospice.org/p2p2012, by calling Aneka on 020 8382 8063 or emailing ashah@stlukes-hospice.org.
