Born in 1916, in Consett, County Durham, Thomas Rees, like many others, started work down the coal mine.  Sadly an accident stopped him working and as part of his recuperation he took a holiday n Newhaven, Sussex and whilst there bought a bike to cycle home on.

On the way home he called at the Swan Inn in Chailey, Sussex, and met a young woman named Mary who was buying a jug of beer for her father.  To cut a long story short Thomas and Mary married in 1941 and went on to have three children.

One of the children was Buxton Mountain Rescue Team member, Joe Rees who, in a tribute to his dad who would have been 100 years old this year, is going to repeat the 391 mile cycle ride.

The route will basically follow the original journey but modern roads will mean a few detours.  However, its still a major effort for Joe who is no spring chicken himself.  The ride is envisaged to take five days and Joe will be joined by his own son, Daniel, for the final leg.

Joe, a team member for over ten years, wants to raise some money for charity from the ride and is looking for as many sponsors as possible.  All donations large or small will be split between the Lindley Educational Trust, which provides young people with the opportunity to try outdoor pursuit adventures at its centre in Castleton, and Buxton Mountain Rescue Team.

To sponsor Joe, please go to:  https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/joerees2

Photo:  Joe, ready for his big trip starting on the 14th June.