A DAD from Brimscombe is embarking on an epic motorcycle journey to raise money for a Down’s Syndrome charity that helped his son.
Steve Smith, 49, will take on the Khardung La pass in India on a trusty Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle.
A veteran fundraiser, Steve said this is his toughest charity challenge yet, but he’s dedicated to helping for The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) and The Cotswold Down’s Syndrome Group because of the support they've given his six-year-old son Alfie.
“When Alfie was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome at 10 days old, it was the most confusing and worrying time for me and my wife Tiffanie," said Steve.
"The information available from the DSA was incredible and soon we realised that things were going to be okay.
"As Alfie has grown and started attending school, the DSA have given great advice on benefits available and how to get the best education and support at a mainstream school.
"And as Alfie develops into a young man, the DSA has some great schemes that they run including DSActive (providing sports and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle) and WorkFit (helping to find employment opportunities for adults with Down’s syndrome).
"Knowing that the DSA is there fighting for the rights of Alfie and all people with Down’s syndrome is a comforting thought.”
This isn’t the first time Steve has taken to two wheels for the DSA.
Back in 2016, another motorcycle challenge in India raised more than £12,000 for the charity.
He then took part in the Classic Triumph Challenge in Spain, raising £3,700 in 2017, and rode from London to Paris on a bicycle last year netting more than £10,000.
And this summer he returns to India, heading for the high passes of the Himalayas.
He’ll ride the Manali to Leh Highway before heading further north to tackle the Khardung La pass.
Parts of the roads are only open for three months of the year due to the extreme weather conditions and could be flooded as snow and ice melts. Steve and nine others will tackle almost 500km over three days.
“The high altitudes mean that altitude sickness can strike even the fittest person.
"We will be spending a lot of time above 4000 metres and the highest road is higher than Everest base camp.
"I’ve been using my motorbike to commute a lot more this year through the cold, wet and dark winter months to prepare myself for what the conditions might be like on the high Himalayan roads.”
Steve has also involved Alfie in the training, who has enjoyed his time in the sidecar alongside his dad.
“Alfie shares my love of cycling and motorbikes and will pedal his trike for miles," said Steve.
"He loves to ride with me on the motorbike in the garden or in the sidecar on the road.
"Our family life is pretty hectic but we wouldn’t change it and try to pack in as much fun as possible.
"With Alfie around there’s never a dull moment and a lot of smiles and laughter.”
Steve leaves on June 28 and you can sponsor his epic challenge here:
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