Melford Chef Nickhas African adventure on his menu
WHEN motorbike-loving chef Nick Barrett bought his first moped as a teenager living in Great Cornard he could never have imagined the adventure it would lead to more than 30 years later.
Next month, the owner of Scutchers Restaurant in Long Melford, will be embarking on the biggest two-wheel challenge of his life when he rides across South Africa for charity on a rugged Honda CRF 230 motorbike.
Mr Barrett, 47, a former Cornard Upper schoolboy, is aiming to raise thousands for Unicef, Sentebale and the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund during an arduous 1,500-mile journey from Port Elizabeth to Durban – in just eight days.
"I can't wait to get going. I got to a point where I really wanted to give something back. My wife Diane saw the advert for the charity motorbike safari and said I should have a go," he said.
Mr Barrett took on the challenge and has already raised 8,000 to be split between the charities. He said he was hoping to motor past the 10,000 mark by the time he sets off today.
Mr Barrett, who bought Scutchers in 1991, has been training for the safari with his close friend James Horne who will be joining him in for the charity trip.
He said: "We have been training off road in the Peak District, Wales and Wiltshire to get ready for the conditions in Africa which we have been warned will be very tough.
"When I'm not out on the bike I've been travelling around Long Melford on my bicycle to increase my fitness and strengthen my legs."
The challenging terrain in South Africa means that Mr Barrett will barely get the chance to sit down on the bike as he crosses the deserts and mountains that await him.
The father of two will be joining almost 100 bikers from around the world in Port Elizabeth who have taken up the enduroafrica challenge.
"I'm thrilled with the response from people, especially my customers and suppliers who have sent cheques from 5 to 500. Whatever the amount, the money will be going to some great causes," he added.
If you would like to sponsor Mr Barrett, visit Scutchers Restaurant in Westgate Street, Long Melford, or call on 01787 310200.
To find out more about the safari go to www.enduro africa.com
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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