Published on: Thursday 07 Apr 2016 at 09:29
Harlow businessman set to cycle 3,000 miles to Turkey for St Clare
On Saturday 16 April Mehmet Cakmak, a small businessman from Harlow, will be donning his cycle helmet and setting off on a mammoth mission across Europe – travelling from Harlow to Turkey – using only pedal power! The father of four is undertaking the 3,000 mile trip to help raise vital funds for St Clare.
Mehmet, the owner and manager of Cafe Pizzeria in the Bush Fair area of Harlow, has lived in Ilford for over 30 years and opened his business in Harlow 25 years ago. On reaching his 50th birthday last November, Mehmet decided he wanted to take on a personal challenge and give something back to his local community.
Mehmet said: “I have always been a keen cyclist but I just couldn’t find the time once my wife and I had our four children and I was running my business. But when I reached the big five-zero I just thought, it’s now or never. I need an adventure!”
“I have driven past St Clare’s twice a day, every day, for the past 25 years on my way to work in Harlow. I know from my many customers at the cafe about the amazing work St Clare does and I just wanted to give something back to the community I have worked in for so many years. St Clare has been there for so many thousands of people over the years and I want to do my bit to make sure they can continue to care for local families in future.”
Mehmet will set off on the cycle ride on the morning of Saturday 16 April and anticipates it will take him around six weeks to cycle from Harlow, to his hometown of Ankara in Turkey.
The ride will take him through seven different countries – from Holland to Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and finally Turkey. He plans to cycle around 70-100 miles per day but expects he will need a number of rest days en route. You can follow his progress by checking the St Clare website and Facebook page where regular updates will be posted.
To sponsor Mehmet visit his fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/Mehmet-Cakmak
You can also track Mehmet’s journey across Europe in real time by following this link: www.findmespot.com/spotadventures/index.php/view_adventure?tripid=342764
For more information on Mehmet’s cycle expedition contact Jade Clarke, on 01279 773756 or email jade.clarke@stclarehospice.org.uk