Popular highways stalwart Martin Duffy has helped many people and played many roles in his career - high-flying director, community collaborator, chairman - but it's fair to say 'endurance cyclist' was not one of them. So what is making this old highwayman take to his bike now? The answer is the love of his beautiful granddaughter Isla, who was born just over two years ago with cerebral palsy.
In a LinkedIn post, Mr Duffy announced that he will be doing a charity cycle ride of over 100 miles in early July to help raise funds for Isla's treatment.
He said: 'This cruel condition has impacted greatly on Isla's life so we want to do all we can to help her to live a more independent life - she would love to be able to sit on her own, stand, possibly talk and eventually one day take independent steps.
'Born at 27 weeks, the first couple of months were touch and go but after 107 days in hospital this little fighter came home. Every day is a challenge for mum and dad but we have some hope.
'Stem Cell treatment is available in the USA and the clinical trials have showed positive results. Isla is a match with the stem cells taken from her baby brother, Leo, and after months of further test she has been accepted by the global leader in this field of research, Dr Joanne Kurtzberg. However, the treatment is costly, hence this fundraising.'
The aim is to raise an overall target of £25k for Isla’s treatment and resulting intensive physio.
Mr Duffy won't be alone on his cycle ride. Taking into account his 'two replacement knees and a replacement shoulder', he invited his great friends Andrew McKie and Dave Merrick to help him along the way.
The team will cycle from Bath to Salisbury before heading north to Marlborough and then back to Bath.
Considering the furthest Mr Duffy has ever cycled before is 25 miles, the course will be a challenge, so let's show Martin that the highways sector is here for him and Isla.
If you are able to support please follow this link to the JustGiving page.
