Cyclist's Vietnam trek raises £2,700 (From Gazette Series)

Cyclist's Vietnam trek raises £2,700

A CAM cyclist has described his journey through Vietnam on his quest raise money for a children's charity as his greatest challenge.

Bob Littleford, 65, from Hopton Road, took part in a 300-mile ride to raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society in February.

He joined 60 other cyclists from all over the UK on the seven-day ride from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City. He has previously taken part in rides in Mexico and Cuba.

Mr Littleford supports the charity because his godson, Ian, was born profoundly deaf.

On his return from the South-East Asian country, Mr Littleford told the Gazette that the ride had gone very well and he had enjoyed the experience.

He said: "Typically we covered 75 miles a day. We went from Danang, travelling south down the coastal roads before we turned into the central highlands and a place called De Lat. After that we travelled south towards Ho Chi Minh City.

"There was a group of 60 people from all over the country and everybody completed the trip."

Even though the trip was hard for able-bodied cyclists, the group included six deaf cyclists.

"We all found it very difficult but it was particularly difficult for them because they have the problem of not being able to hear.

"We were up by 5am and started by the time the sun came up which allowed us to take regular breaks."

"I learned from other people that only those who had taken part in previous events had been invited because it was so much more demanding.

"It was a very warming experience as most people only know of Vietnam because of the war. The country is much poorer than people expect. We supported the local economy by staying in local hotels and using their transport."

Mr Littleford added: "I would like to thank all those friends, acquaintances, organisations and businesses in the Dursley and Cam area who supported me in raising over £2,700 for the benefit of deaf children in the UK.

"I haven't decided whether I will complete another ride. I will have to wait and see. I would like to do another ride because it is a great experience and it is the sort of thing that benefits everyone. I find it very rewarding."