Wheels get in motion for Wolverhampton fundraiser Manny as he takes on 24-hour static cycle challenge
The latest lung-bursting challenge by an intrepid, determined and inspirational fundraiser has gotten underway.
Manny Singh Kang was cheered on by friends, family and supporters as he began a solo, 24-hour static cycling challenge to raise funds for Dementia UK outside Wolverhampton University's Ambika Paul building in Wolverhampton city centre.
The challenge, which started at 2.15pm on Friday, will see him riding on the spot through the night without stopping underneath a marquee and will finish at 2.15pm on Saturday, just in time for him to attend the Wolves vs Everton game at Molineux.
It's the latest in a series of challenges by the 52-year-old, who has previously walked from Molineux to Chelsea, then from the same stadium to Newcastle, as well as complete a 48-hour walk continuous loop around Molineux, all of which were in aid of Dementia UK.
Prior to the start of the ride, Manny said he was nervous, but also excited about the challenge ahead, and said any pain would be worth it for the cause he was doing it for.
He said: "I'm super nervous, probably more nervous than I've ever been for any challenge that I've done, but it's great to see the turn out, with lots of people here, and I have to thank the university as well for the location.
"I haven't thought about the enormity of this and I'm just going into the unknown as there will be no stoppages and I'm really determined to just keep going, which I know is going to be tough, but I've been learning how to manage myself on the bike while I'm doing it.
"The pain is entirely worth it though as it's 24 hours of my life and I'll be back to normal by next week, but there's millions of people living with dementia and I've got people here today who have lost loved ones to it, so we've got to try and help as much as we can and Dementia UK do a fabulous job.
"Hopefully, by the end, the adrenaline will go through the roof and fans of Wolves are people who have donated 90 per cent of what we've raised over the years, so there will be lots of people who will come to join in and I'm looking forward to meeting them."
Among those coming to support Manny was Ray Bisbey from Hastings, whose wife Joyce died last year after suffering from dementia.
Ray said he had been there to support Manny during his 48-hour walk and spoke of his admiration for what Manny was doing.
He said: "I thought I would come and support him again while he's doing this challenge and I think it's amazing that he keeps coming up with these things to do as I don't know how he does it.
"The more money we can all raise for this cause, the better, as we need more dementia nurses and there are nowhere near enough in this country, so I am here to cheer Manny on and be there with him to the end."
To follow Manny's progress, a livestream is being filled at the scene. To find out more, go to the Livestream on YouTube.
