Commuter offers to complete dead cyclist's ride

8:00pm Wednesday 15th October 2008

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A CYCLING commuter is offering to complete a length-of-the-country charity ride started by a man who died in an accident near Taunton.

Mark Wonnacott, who bikes from home in Cotford St Luke to Bridgwater, hopes to journey to Land’s End from the A38 between Walford Cross and Monkton Elm.

That was the site of the accident on Thursday, October 2 involving two cars and a bike ridden by Graham Lees, 48, who had cycled from John o’Groats.

Mr Lees, from Warwickshire, who was married with two children and was managing director of Cotswold Lifts, planned to raise £10,000 sponsorship for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Thousands have been donated in his memory and the total now stands at £13,000.

Mr Wonnacott, 34, who is married with a young family, said: “The accident brought home the dangers of cycling on that road.

“I wasn’t at work that day, but if I had been, I’d have come across that terrible accident.

“Because of it, I’m now buying a car to commute.”

Mr Wonnacott added: “I’m also looking to finishing the ride for Graham – it’s a real shame he couldn’t complete what he was doing and it would be nice to get a bit of support to increase the funds.

“I’ve never done anything like it before, but it’s about 180 miles and I’d aim to do that in two days later this month.”

Anyone who would like to support Mr Wonnacott can call him on 0773-4716699.

*For details of Mr Lees’ charity fundraising efforts, click on the link.