Hundreds of cyclists set to get in the saddle for annual charity ride

A man who suffered a serious brain injury as a child is among those taking part in a charity cycle ride on Sunday.

Mr Andy Wendels, of Southwell, plans to cycle 20 miles as part of the annual Reach Off Road challenge.

It is for Reach Learning Disability, a charity that supports adults with learning difficulties. It hopes to raise £10,000 from this year’s event.

Reach offers services in Newark, Mansfield and Southwell where it also runs the Flower Pod at Brackenhurst to supply flowers and plants to local businesses.

Mr Wendels, 54, has volunteered at Flower Pod for six years.

Mr Wendels was hit by a horse aged four while watching racing with his family.

“I was sitting on the fence when a horse kicked me in the head. I was taken to hospital where I spent a lot of time,” said Mr Wendels.

“I had to learn to walk and talk again and had school tuition at home for a while.

“During my school time, I was teased by some of the other pupils but I got past that.”

When he was ten Mr Wendels was diagnosed with mild epilepsy, which is controlled by medication.

After leaving school he went to college and then started his own cattery business — Orchard Boarding Cattery in Southwell — for 34 years before retiring.

Mr Wendels said: “Starting and running a successful business was an achievement in itself.

“After college, I did work experience placements before opening the cattery.”

'Helping people with learning difficulties'

Mr Wendels visits Flower Pod at least twice a week where he plants flowers and seeds and maintains the gardens.

He said: “The charity plays an important role in helping people with learning difficulties, like building their confidence.

“The Flower Pod is great. I really enjoy what I do there and the people are lovely — we are a family there.

Reach Off Road, formerly known as Tonya’s Challenge, raised £8,500 last year.

Riders can choose five, ten, 20 or 37-mile routes and can enter individually, or as part of a team.

Participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship and there will be a prize for those who raise the most.

The charity is also seeking bakers to make cakes for the riders and their supporters to raise extra funds.

To sign up for Reach Off Road, visit the Reach Off Road website or anyone interested in baking should contact Sarah on 01636 819066.

A football team raised £130 for Reach Learning Disability in an end-of-season game.

Southwell City Vets A and B teams, managed by Mark Nangle and Phil Clarke, played out a 1-1 draw.

It is hoped the fixture will now become an annual event.

A Reach spokesman thanked the club for the donation and the town council for providing the pitch.