MP sponsors Autism Sussex charity bike ride

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert is supporting a local station manager's charity bike ride to raise funds for Autism Sussex.

The MP met Darrell Luff on Friday (22 June) to wish him luck for his 60-mile bike journey.  The ride is taking place on Sunday 30 June.

Darrell, a customer service manager at Arundel railway station, organised the charity trip with his brother, Jez Luff, and friend Carlos Freitas.  Darrell and Carlos both have sons with autism, and they have chosen to support the local charity Autism Sussex with the money they raise.

Autism Sussex is a charity that provides a range of services and activities for children, young people and adults with autistic spectrum conditions and Aspergers. 

The customers at Arundel Railway Station have been very supportive of Darrell, who has already raised £1,300 for the trip.   The final total is expected to be far higher when the money raised by the other riders is added.

The friends are departing from Worthing Pier on Sunday morning and cycling to the Brighton Pier.  They will then travel the coastal route on the return journey back to Bracklesham Bay.  Darrell said they had not put a time on completing the journey, since the challenge for them is to complete it.

Darrell told Mr Herbert that he had also run the London Marathon, joking that his training diet of curry and beers prepared him for the feat.

Nick Herbert said: "Darrell has done a fantastic job in organising this bike ride on his own initiative for a great cause, and I wish him luck in completing the course. Bearing in mind his unique training regime I hope he finishes before it's dark."

If you would like to sponsor the riders please go to their Just Giving page on the internet.  www.justgiving.com/Carlos-Freitas

ENDS

Notes

1.    For more information about Autism Sussex  http://www.autismsussex.org.uk/