David Kershaw, Carlisle to ride 5,000 miles for charity

David Kershaw, who lives in Brampton, completed the North Coast 500-mile challenge back in September to raise money for Great North Air Ambulance and Blood Bikes. 

In 2024, he hopes to step things up another gear, with a mammoth three-week trip to North Africa currently planned for late June.

Alongside Peter Laidlaw, a director in the British Motorcycle Federation (BMF) and Simon Hansel, the Brampton man will visit France and Spain on route to Morocco, before taking the scenic route back to England through Italy, Austria and Switzerland to name just a few.

He will complete this incredible journey all on his 125cc scooter, known as 'Pepper', in the name of charities Blood Bikes Cumbria, the Sick Children's Trust and DocBike, with the support of Cheshire Mouldings.

He said: "All my journeys this year are accumulating towards the Africa trip. We leave on June 28, there are three of us, one of whom hasn't even passed his test yet, he's never ridden a bike. There are two reasons behind this, one is to raise as much money as we can for three fantastic charities.

"We are also being backed by the BMF as we are promoting 125cc motorcycles as viable and green transport, to show that it can be used in extended circumstances."

David's 125cc has been with him on a lot of journeys. (Image: Supplied)

The government have proposed plans to ban new sales of petrol-powered mopeds and 125cc machines by 2030, but David hopes that the data collected from his 5,000 mile trip can be used by the BMF to lobby government.

All of the challenge, including the build- up, the charities, their great work and what the money they receive goes to, will be blogged and videoed on David's YouTube channel, 125cc_alive, so people can see their progression, promote the charities and show what their generosity has accomplished. 

David is hoping to raise £6,500 before the trip to cover costs, with any excess split between the three charities.

You can donate here.