A FORMER homeless man who has turned his life around will saddle up to complete a lengthy challenge for a cause which is close to his heart.
Chris Bishop, who is from Nuneaton, will cycle from Southport to Blackpool on Saturday in aid of the Boomerang Project.
The worthy cause is based in Bedworth and provides meals to local people who find themselves living on the streets.
Called the 'Bucket and Spade ride' the two-wheeled challenge involves completing a 75 mile route in 24 hours.
Full of drive, Mr Bishop is determined to go the extra mile to help people in the borough who have found themselves in a situation which he can relate to.
“Having been homeless myself, I know how hard it can be to get your life back on track which is why I want to raise as much money as possible for the Boomerang Project, which helps vulnerable people locally," he said.
The 38-year-old is a former alcoholic and has also spent time in prison but his experience has taught him that help is available to give everyone a good chance at moving on to better things.
“The support I’ve received from Fry Housing Trust and the Boomerang Project has been fantastic and doing this challenge is my way of giving something back," he added.
The charity ride takes place each year, with people of all ages and walks of life allowed to take part to raise as much money as possible for a charity of their choice.
Mr Bishop will complete the stretch riding alongside five others but personally he has set himself a target of raising £1,000 for the Boomerang Project.
Any money he collects in sponsorship will help to purchase hot meals which will be given to vulnerable people at the Lifechurch in Bedworth.
Although he has chosen to donate to the the borough-based cause, he has helped other organisations such as Fry Housing Trust in Sandwell, West Midlands, by offering his time.
Rob Donath, chief executive of Fry Housing Trust, said: “We are really proud of Chris and the steps that he has taken to change his life.
“At the Trust we work with homeless people and ex-offenders to help them move on and turn their lives around and Chris is a great example of this.”
There is still time to support Chris Bishop by donating to the worth cause at virginmoneygiving.com/bucketandspade For more information about how Fry Housing Trust helps homeless people across the West Midlands visit www.fryha.org.uk
For further details on the annual Bucket and Spade Ride which will take entrants from coast to coast go to http://www.bucketandspade.org.uk/
