AN ANDOVER resident has set out on an epic 240-mile bike journey, with a parrot on his handlebars in memory of a teenage boy.
Paul Blowers began the ride accompanied by his bright green Amazon parrot, called Kiki, on Monday, June 10 along with his son, Sam, and brother-in-law Mel Sussex to raise funds for Asthma and Lung UK.
The group are raising money in memory of Mel's grandson, Gavin Hocking, who died from an asthma attack at the age of 17.
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The journey, which will take place over five days, will see the group travel from Abergavenny in Wales to Camborne in Cornwall, with Kiki in tow.
Paul, whose two sons also suffer from asthma - a lung condition that can cause breathing difficulties - said: "One in five of us will develop a lung condition during our lifetime.
"Asthma nearly took Sam’s life when he was young, but he was saved, thanks to advances in medicine.
"Sadly, Gavin was not so fortunate. Along with his grandad, Mel, and other family members, we will ride in his memory.
"Abergavenny is where Mel lives and Gavin’s home was in Camborne, so cycling between the two towns seemed the most appropriate journey to undertake."
Mel, 74, added: "I am also an asthma sufferer, but I'm riding to honour Gavin's memory and to highlight the vital work of Asthma and Lung UK in the fight for everyone's right to breathe.
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"I particularly want to raise money for children who suffer from this debilitating condition. Every pound we raise will take us a step closer to a world where everyone has healthy lungs."
Asthma and Lung UK is a charity campaigning for research and treatment for people living in the UK with lung conditions, as well as advocating for cleaner air.
The group has set up a fundraising page for the expedition, having raised more than £4,000 for the charity already.
To donate, visit: justgiving.com/page/mel-sussex-1708679509348
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