Optician Mike sets sights on charity bike ride

WE'D like to wish Mike Cody well, as he prepares to take on a 270-mile cycling challenge in aid of two great charities.

Mike, a director of Colin Lee Opticians, hopes to ride off-road from Sunderland on the east coast, across to Whitehaven on the west, and then back again, in just four days.

He is riding with four friends, and raising money for Breast of Friends, a local breast cancer charity which has been supporting Linda Lee, co-founder of Colin Lee Opticians and a fellow director, during her illness, and Vision Aid Overseas, which is helping to improve eye care in developing countries.

The 43-year-old joined the board of directors at Colin Lee Opticians during the firm’s 30th anniversary last year.

He has worked for the company since 1992, when he joined as manager of the Rugeley practice, and is now in charge of the company’s contact lens division, covering all seven practices, in Rugeley, Burntwood, Lichfield, Tamworth, Aldridge, Great Barr and Ward End.

"I had a bike for Christmas, and before I knew it, talk had turned to doing a bike ride for charity,” he explained.

“The other four are all proper cyclists, and I am by far the least fit of the group.

“I am now wondering why I agreed to make this even harder by going off-road, but it will just make me more determined than ever to complete it.

“Anyone who knows me will realise what a big effort this is for me, and I would like to raise as much money as possible,” said Mr Cody.

Clive Marchant, Colin Lee director, said he is really impressed by Mike’s commitment to his cause, and said he has the company’s full support.

“Our company has supported Vision Aid Overseas for many years, and we also raised money for Breast of Friends during some of our anniversary events last year, so we’re delighted Mike’s taken this on to raise even more money for them.

“The charity has shown Linda tremendous support through a really difficult time, as it does for many other people in her situation – we wish Mike every success with the ride, and hope he manages to raise lots of money for both fantastic causes.”

Mr Cody is planning to start the ride on June 11, and is asking anyone interested in sponsoring him to do so on-line at www.justgiving.com/coasttocoastvisionaid and www.justgiving.com/coasttocoastbreastoffriends.