The MD of H&H Classic Auctions to attack the Pennine Trail

Simon Hope, the 54-year-old Managing Director of Hatton-based H&H ClassicAuctions, is to ride the full length of the Pennine Trail for charity.Riding up hill and down dale from Southport in the West to Hornsea in theEast, Hope and his six fellow cyclists will have covered a gruelling 344kilometres by the time they're finished.

This might be small beer for Lance Armstrong but it will be a real challengefor Hope, who freely admits that he has ridden no further than his local inthe last 30 years. At least he has a proper set of wheels on which to makethe attack, having purchased a Claud Butler machine from Lymm Bikes. As aresult, Claud Butler is helping with sponsorship.

Said Hope, "I'm sure many will simply accuse me of suffering a mid lifecrisis, but the cause is close to my heart. A little over two years ago, mywife Karon was diagnosed with breast cancer, which has inevitably had adramatic effect on our family. I decided I would like to do my bit forothers affected by the disease and the money raised from the ride will besplit between Clatterbridge Hospital (who have done so much for my wife) andCancer Research.

'The Magnificent Seven' will be carrying out their marathon ride from July1-4 this year. Anybody wishing to support the venture is asked to send cash,cheques, or credit card donations to: Simon Hope, c/o H&H Classic Auctions,Whitegate Farm, Hatton, Cheshire WA4 4BZ.  Tel: 01925 730630.