Pudsey cyclist Tim Devereux is nearing the end of his 3,431-miles fundraising trek to
raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Mr Devereux has spent the past nine months cycling the the distance from Leeds to Gaza, by riding around Yorkshire’s streets, paths and towpaths, aiming at an average of 12 miles a day.
His efforts have is far raised more than £4,800 – and the cyclist is hoping to pass the £5,000 mark by the end of his ride.
Mr Devereux said: “In November 2024, I was watching a film at the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival, wondering what I could to help. I’d completed a 300-mile Leeds to Brighton ride for Medical Aid for Palestinians earlier in the year.
“I realised I could do a virtual ride to Gaza, just riding around locally until I’d covered 3431 miles, the distance from Leeds to Gaza. I would ride every day, (only missed two!) beginning on 1 January, initially planning 10 miles a day and aiming to finish in December.
“I decided I would not use the same bike I’d ridden the day before – this would stop me using my ebike for the whole journey, and there have only been a few lapses! I upped my daily mileage to 12 miles from May, so I will finish on my 77th birthday, on 5 October.
Mr Devereux has some mechanical problems – punctures, broken spokes, mysterious
noises from the e-bike motor, but he has only had to walk home once.
He added: “I can’t say I have been bursting with enthusiasm to ride every day, but I have been boosted by the lovely things people tell me, in person and on my JustGiving page.”
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is a British charity which works for the health and
dignity of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, and as refugees. It provides
immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also building local capacity and skills.
The JustGiving page is here.
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