Two Middle-aged Yorkshiremen Pedal After The Tour de France

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Inspired by the start of this year's Tour de France in the north of England, two middle-aged countrymen – one a gamekeeper – will be swapping their usual four-wheel-drive vehicles for the hard slog of pedal power when an epic long-distance 300 miles in three-days cycle ride to raise cash for two charities, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust, gets underway on 17 July 2014 in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

The saddle-sore cyclists, a gamekeeper and a 4x4 mechanic, hope to arrive, puffed out but triumphant, some 72 hours later at their destination, the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire - with every single penny raised by this gruelling cycling challenge going to the two charities.

Donate securely online at www.justgiving.com/teams/TheTourDeCLA

Donations can also be made on the National Gamekeepers' Organisation stand at the CLA Game Fair, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire 18-20 July 2014.

Follow the cyclists on Twitter and catch up with their training at twitter.com/NGOTourDeCLA

Chris Wild, 46, the head gamekeeper at the Coniston Hall Estate in North Yorkshire, said: "At around 300 miles, it's a long way for us to cycle in a few days. It'll be tough going, especially if the weather's hot. My father, Ted, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease a few years ago and I've raised money for the charity in the past. But I've always wanted to do more. The inspiration for our bike ride was undoubtedly that this year's Tour de France Grand D�part begins in the north, in Yorkshire [on 5 July]. The idea just grew from there."

Mr Wild, who is the Regional Chairman of the Yorkshire branch of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation (as well as an NGO National Vice-Chairman), added: "I also wanted to raise funds for the NGO Educational Trust, which does such a lot of good work to open peoples' eyes about the countryside. So I thought it was logical that the route should run from NGO's HQ in County Durham down to its members' stand at this year's CLA Game Fair, an event which itself celebrates the countryside. Please give generously, every scrap of cash is going straight to charity."

Mike Hemingway, 46, a specialist freelance 4x4 mechanic at Land Rover Experience North Yorkshire on the Coniston Hall Estate, said: "I'm going to have to dig deep to do this, exchanging four wheels for two and diesel for determination. Chris and I will be truly grateful if everyone can dig deep into their pockets too, to make our sweating worthwhile. Look out for us in our yellow cycling shirts as we skirt the A1 en route to Oxfordshire."

Mandy Metcalfe, the Motor Neurone Disease Association's Northern Regional Fundraising Team Leader, said: "Without the amazing support of people like Chris and Mike, the MND Association simply would not be able to provide vital support services for people affected by MND and fund research to find a cure. We wish them luck and greatly appreciate their support.  ,Together we are making a real difference for people affected by this devastating disease."

Brian Hayes, the National Gamekeepers' Organisation Educational Trust Administrator, said: "I'd like to thank Chris and Mike for putting their hearts and souls into this. It's much appreciated. By the same token, I'd like everyone to support wholeheartedly what the boys are doing. Cash is the lifeblood of the NGO Educational Trust, without it we cannot take the countryside message out to schools, teachers and others. Please get behind them and make their big trip the journey of a lifetime."

Notes to Editors
Both cyclists are available for press and broadcast interviews, as well as for photographs. To arrange interviews or for further information please contact Julian Murray-Evans on 01766 523795 or email jmurrayevans@btinternet.com

The NGO Educational Trust is an independent registered charity established under the parentage of the National Gamekeepers' Organisation, whose primary aim is to promote awareness of the need for sustainable wildlife management in the countryside while stressing the importance of the role of the ,conservation work carried out by gamekeepers. Registered Charity No. 1076923

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on MND care, research and campaigning. It is a membership organisation with nearly 8,000 members forming a powerful national and local network that provides information and support alongside fighting for improved services. Registered Charity Number 294354