On his bike for the ABI

Pensioner Michael Johnes is setting off on a 250 mile bike ride to raise money for the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Unit at South Worcestershire College.

Michael, aged 74, who lives in Bishampton has himself suffered two strokes and is a regular user of the ABI, taking part in IT, Creative Writing and Art classes as well as going along to gym sessions and learning about Healthy Living.

Michael will be setting off on his bike on the 1st June from Whitehaven in Cumbria and finishing his mammoth bike ride in Tynemouth, Near Newcastle, crossing both the mountains of the Lake District and the Pennines along the way.

"I am expecting the journey to take me around eight days, with very welcome overnight stays at friends' houses where I can re-charge my batteries ready for the next day" said Michael.

Michael is undertaking the journey to raise funds for the ABI following recent news that the ABI was under threat of closure because of the removal of government funding and he is aiming to raise £10,000 through sponsorship.

"If the ABI closes it will be sorely missed by those who have had a brain injury. The Unit helps the students there to feel more confident about one day moving back into employment" said Michael.

Michael is currently pedalling around the lanes of Worcestershire to improve his fitness levels in preparation for the challenging bike ride.

"The ABI have vastly improved my sense of wellbeing and self-confidence and now I have the opportunity to give something back to the Unit" said Michael.

Beauty Therapy Students are Placed at UK Skills for the 2nd Year

Students Do Well in Well Dressing Competition