A father from Northumberland has finished a 300 mile quad bike ride in aid of charity.
Ian Paterson, from Jarrow, took to his all-terrain vehicle to raise money for Help for Heroes, the charity which raises money to assist injured military personnel.
Mr Paterson embarked on the ride along with Eddy Lynn, his friend, on the public roads around the Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland.
Headley Court is a clinic that treats soldiers who have been severely injured in Afghanistan and Iraq and it will benefit the most from Mr Paterson’s fund raising. The centre was responsible for providing critical medical assistance for one of his children.
Mr Paterson stated:
“Headley Court helped my eldest son, who was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. It’s a form of arthritis, that causes inflammation of the joints of the spine, and occasionally other joints and body parts. The unit also provides specialist nursing support, including cognitive therapy, counselling and psychological support – we can’t thank them enough.”
Mr Paterson originally intended to ride his all-terrain vehicle starting from Jarrow and travelling all the way to Headley Court, but had to change his plans after he could not gain permission from the authorities to plan a route or ride.
He said: “I decided to approach Kielder Water & Forest Park, to gain permission to ride some of the 300 miles on the Forest Drive.”
Forestry Commission community ranger Laura Hull commented:
“We’re always happy to help fundraising initiatives in the park, and Ian has raised a lot of money for a deserving charity.”
Mr Paterson is reportedly planning to complete the ride again next year.