THOUSANDS of people across East Anglia will be joining a Sport Relief run for charity tomorrow.But while this is sure to be a test for some of those taking part, spare a thought for 68-year-old Andrew Fairley.

Anthony Bond

THOUSANDS of people across East Anglia will be joining a Sport Relief run for charity tomorrow.

But while this is sure to be a test for some of those taking part, spare a thought for 68-year-old Andrew Fairley.

The retired music teacher will attempt to complete Ipswich's one mile course on his 102-year-old Suffolk-made 'Manumotive'.

The contraption was built in 1906 by cycle-builder and designer John Flegg of Oulton Broad, whose brother Henry was disabled. The idea was that he could use the Manumotive to travel along the promenade at Lowestoft.

Mr Fairley, who bought it at an auction, said: “Apparently he made three of these but this seems to be the only one that survived.”

The Manumotive is powered by two hand cranks, one for each wheel, and is steered by the driver leaning one way or the other.

“There are no gears or brakes so it is pretty hard work,” said Mr Fairley, who lives in Bredfield, near Woodbridge.

“I have got to avoid hills and it is very heavy and can easily get out of control. It is physically very demanding although it is very efficient and for its period it was quite advanced. It is just a fun vehicle. It is not fast and probably just above walking pace at top speed it just attracts lots of attention - particularly from kids.”

Mr Fairley has raised about £2,000 for charity over the years by taking his Manumotive to various events in East Anglia. He was aiming to raise £100 for Sport Relief but has so far raised £146.

“I think Sport Relief is a brilliant and wonderful idea and everybody seems to be all for it. It is a great way of raising necessary money for a good cause and everybody has a great day.”

Mr Fairley will be in Woodbridge town centre with his Manumotive this morningfrom 9am for three hours where you can sponsor him. Alternatively you can call him on 01394 382863.

n The Sport Relief mile in Ipswich takes place between 10am and 4pm tomorrow , starting in Portman Road. If you want to register on the day, turn up at midday.

Other runs are taking place throughout East Anglia. Visit www.sportrelief.com for more details.

n About 300 students and staff from Otley College supported Sport Relief when they took part in a one-mile fun run at the main college campus, raising around £300.

n Former France and Newcastle United footballer David Ginola helped do his bit for Sport Relief when he visited Portman Road for a coaching session with children including Jamie Boor, 12, who has autism.

The session was part of Ipswich Town's initiative Ability Counts, which specialises in helping disabled children. The filming of the session was seen on BBC One on Thursday.

CALL centre staff in Ipswich gave up their Friday night for the Sport Relief campaign.

Call Connection, an insurance based call-handling company, donated their time and facilities to receive donations from the public during last nights Sport Relief programme on BBC1.

Managing director, Graeme Kalbraier, said: “The evening was a real success and a testament to the great team we have here at Call Connection. Sport Relief is a fantastic and very worthy cause and I am proud we could be a part of it.”

Around 200 employees, friends and family took part, as 100 telephone lines were manned until midnight.

Kelly Barrell, call transfer executive, said: “I like to keep fit and Sport Relief is something I really believe in so it is no effort to give up my time to help.”

To raise money on the night, staff pledged to run 50 miles on a treadmill installed on the call centre floor by midnight.

Three male members of staff also faced the painful experience of having their legs waxed in the name of charity, raising an impressive £500.