Inspired dad from Eye all set to ride across Kenya to support impoverished children
An inspired father is about to set off on a cycle ride of a lifetime in a bid to raise money for impoverished children in Africa.
Ben Crossman, 43, from Eye, will join 70 other people from around the world to cycle 500km across Kenya, starting on February 10.
Ben, a property manager, will be making the trip with his friend Miles Auger, from Oxfordshire. They will be raising money on the trip – arranged by Ride Africa – for an organisation called Child.org.
Amongst other projects, the money will go towards providing special waterproof cots for babies who would otherwise sleep on the floor, risking disease.
“The cause particularly touched me and, as I was looking for a new challenge, it inspired me,” said Ben, who has twin daughters, aged 11.
“Apart from the cause itself, to ride across Africa is a dream come true for any cyclist and I am very, very excited.
“It is an epic off-road ride on mountain bikes through the rift valley, foothills of Mount Kenya and on to Meru.
“There, we will visit a project the charity supports and see for ourselves the reasons we are doing it.
“It is a long way and a lot of hills to climb off-road on mountain bikes, but an excellent charity to support.”
Ben and Miles are no strangers to epic trips and raising money for charity.
The pair raised £14,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust in 2016 by driving an ageing taxi across India, dressed as Australian cricketers from the 1980s.
“It was a 3,500km trip over seven days and was definitely life-affirming,” said Ben.
“I have ridden more than 2,500 miles on training rides for Kenya since the beginning of October to get in the right shape to complete it.
“I have always been a keen cyclist and take part in the Diss Cyclathon.
“I am taking it a bit easier this week to be fresh for the trip, though.
“I have raised about £3,000 so far but would love to get to £5,000 if possible, so any donations would be greatly appreciated.”
To support Ben, click here
