The Sunderland priest who pedalled 600 miles for charity
That’s because it meant Father John Coyle had the transport he needed for a 600-mile ride to raise £50,000 for church extensions.
Father Coyle, from St Hilda’s RC Church in Southwick, set off to Land’s End in June 1982to travel all the way back to Wearside.
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Hide AdBut he was doing it on a rusty bike which someone had got rid of.
He said at the time: “This is the longest ride I have attempted.”
He was no stranger to fundraising attempts as he had previously cycled to Lourdes and once went on a 200-mile trip round Scotland.
But Land’s End to Sunderland was a very different challenge.
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Hide AdHe had a back-up team with him and they were Doug Hall, Larry Millar and Kevin McGurrell.
The 49-year-old had been at St Hilda’s for six years in 1982 and said the £50,000 would go towards an annexe. That, he said, would provide a meeting place for church members.
It would also mean easier access to the church itself for the more elderly members of the congregation.
Father Coyle added: “The bike was rusting in the back garden of a neighbour’s home about 12 years ago and they did not want it.”
Who remember’s Father Coyle’s mega bike challenge?
Get in touch and tell us how he did by emailing [email protected]