Tackling fitness challenges for Newark Patriotic Fund

A keen cyclist and runner has set himself a series of challenges to raise money for a charity that helps injured and mentally-scarred ex-Servicemen and women.

Mr Neill Mison, of Fernwood, a Newark and Sherwood district councillor, ran his first marathon 25 years ago and decided to mark the anniversary by completing the challenges between now and October in aid of Newark Patriotic Fund.

He has already completed the first challenge, the Manchester Marathon, which he finished in 4hrs 34mins.

Mr Mison will take part in the King Edward 100 Sportive on Sunday, a cycle event starting and finishing at Newark Showground.

Six days after he will tackle another 100-mile cycle event, the Lincoln Grand Prix Sportive.

He then plans to take part in a 24-hour bike ride in the summer.

Mr Mison will have a few weeks to recover before setting off on an overnight 24-hour bike ride in June or July.

To finish the challenges he plans to compete in the Bournemouth Marathon on October 7.

"I am looking forward to the challenges," he said.

"I know I can do most of the events. The 24-hour bike ride might be the one I will struggle with but that only makes it more exciting.

"I like to push myself and do things I haven’t done before, so it will be interesting to see how I get on with that one."

Mr Mison’s training has been hampered by bad weather.

"I have done one 60-mile cycle ride and a couple of shorter rides to prepare for the King Edward Sportive, but other than that I have not been able to do as much as I normally would because it has been so cold," he said.

"With events like this you really do get out what you put in but I am confident I can complete it in a good time."

He has set himself a fundraising target of £1,000 and said he wanted to help the brilliant work the patriotic fund did helping people get their lives back on track.

"Their work ranges from simply getting a suit so they can go to an interview, to helping with the stresses of PTSD and everything in between," said Mr Mison.

"I think it is fitting to raise money for our ex-Servicemen in Newark to give something back for the enormous sacrifices they have made on our behalf."

To donate online go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/neillmison1#donationSummary