by Nicola Forman

A firefighter all set to ride 54 miles for charity certainly has the name for it.
Sittingbourne’s watch manager Neil Ryder is joining thousands of other cyclists for this year’s British Heart Foundation (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride to help raise vital funds for the nation’s heart charity and the Fire Fighters’ Charity.
The ride is the largest cycle event in Europe and this year’s event is full. Last year, the ride raised £4.2 million to help the BHF continue its life-saving work and this year’s ride hopes to build on this success.
Mr Ryder is taking part for the first time after two of his friends, who completed the event last year, persuaded him to join them.
But not content with just riding the bike, Mr Ryder will be doing it in full firefighting uniform, complete with breathing apparatus.
He said: “As I turned 40 this year, I thought it would be a good challenge for me, I do keep myself in good physical condition by going to the gym two to three times a week and also playing football once a week.
“Being in the fire service, I do try to keep myself active and it was when I mentioned at work that I was competing in this year’s London to Brighton Bike Race that someone suggested that I do it in full uniform.
“I replied, as a joke, that I might as well do it in breathing apparatus as well then. But then again, over the years, firefighters have been known to do daft things for charity and I’m just joining the long list of names.
“I would like to thank the service and Cosalt Ballyclare for giving me the equipment to use and a special thanks to my training partners Lou and Jon Mason and Mark Case.”
To sponsor Mr Ryder, visit www.justgiving.com/neilryder1 or call 01795 471542.