Eric crosses the Alps

A keen Harrogate cyclist has set off on a mammoth solo ride from northern Italy to Harrogate , crossing the Alps to raise money for a project in Tanzania. Eric Waters, (59), a member of St Mark’s Harrogate,  is aiming to raise up to £5000 in sponsorship on his 1000 mile journey to support Neema Crafts, a project begun by local couple Andy and Suzy Hart who receive support from several churches in the diocese.

The credit crunch has left a £25,000 hole in the finances of Neema Crafts as the pound has fallen in value against the dollar, leaving a shortfall in meeting the costs of recently opened workshops for more than 100 people with disabilities.

Eric’s started his ambitious three week ride from Lake Maggiore on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25th, and his route takes him over 6900 feet over the St Gothard Pass into Switzerland. From Andermatt there is another gruelling climb up the Overalp Pass to the source of the River Rhine. The route then follows the river along its entire length through Leichtenstein, Austria, German, France and the Netherlands to Rotterdam. Then it’s ferry to Hull before cycling the final leg to Harrogate.

Click here for regular pictures and progress reports from Eric

Eric says his decision to carry out the gruelling ride stems from a visit to Tanzania in February 2008. “ I witnessed Andy and Susie’s remarkable work first hand when I was privileged to work with them in iringa last February. I want to continue to help their work so I will now be doing a sponsored cycle ride to help bridge this gap in their funds.”  (More on Neema Crafts here)

To pledge sponsorship for Eric’s cycle ride email eric.waters@o2.co.uk or sponsor him online at www.justgiving.com/ericwaters