Suffolk auctioneer Hayden, and his teenage son, to cycle through three countries for charity.

East Anglian Daily Times: Suffolk estate agent and auctioneer Hayden Fosteer, and his 15-year-old son Arlo, are in training for a marathon cycle ride, in Turkey, for charity. They are raising money for 1morechild - which helps provides homes and schooling for street children in Uganda,.Suffolk estate agent and auctioneer Hayden Fosteer, and his 15-year-old son Arlo, are in training for a marathon cycle ride, in Turkey, for charity. They are raising money for 1morechild - which helps provides homes and schooling for street children in Uganda,. (Image: Archant)

Though it has a reputation for being flat, those of who live here in Suffolk know there are actually a few steep hills.

But even these challenging climbs can not be an exact preparation for cycling up hill and over mountains on a daily basis.

Suffolk-based auctioneer and valuer, Hayden Foster,46, and his teenage son Arlo are in the middle of training for a challenging cycle ride for charity, later in May.

The Ride25 Pioneers event, from May 23 takes in three countries, 506 miles and climbs 31,811 feet, They will ride through hill towns and open countryside, vineyards and olive groves.

That is some challenge!

Hayden and son Arlo,15, who is at Debenham High School, have been training hard to prepare for it.

The Ride25 Pioneers are raising money for the 1morechild charity, which works in Uganda providing homes and education for street children in the town of Jinja.

The charity was started in 2008 by Harry and Helen Ferdinando, to help homeless children with few opportunities in that African country.

Hayden, a partner in Clarke & Simpson of Framlingham, and Arlo joined other riders taking part at Henley on Thames for a 78 mile training ride.

He said: “We have been training right through the Beast from the East, in all weathers. The other night we did 56 miles after work and school, together.

“There are some hills in Suffolk, but they are mainly short and sharp, not sustained like we may have to face. There were some challenging climbs in Henley on Thames. There is one hill at Old Martlesham which is quite difficult, I actually prefer riding up hills to down them.”

The charity ride sets off in Thesaloniki in Greece, on the coast, on May 23 and the route takes in 506 miles through Bulgaria and Turkey, ending on the Bosphorus at Istanbul. The target finish date is May 27.

Hayden added: “I have done a few cycle rides before, including Land’s End to John `O’Groats six years ago.

“We are buildin up our training to 150 miles a week, and want to be doing 200 miles before we go.

“I am under no illusions that it will be difficult. Although we have done long distances before we go, but we won’t know what to expect.

“I would prefer it to be hot; but it could be any sort of weather.

“As a parent I also have the responsibility for my son. It will be a new experience for us both,”

They are paying their own way, and hoping to raise a couple of thousand pounds for the 1morechild charity, with a virgingiving account.

“The charity is for street children, who have nothing.

“There is a direct link between the rider organiser and the charity. Every penny donated goes straight to the charity for its work in Africa.”

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