Amazing brain challenges
430. Mike Bosomworth
A clinical scientist from Leeds has recently cycled across the USA to fundraise for the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre.
Mike Bosomworth, 62, from Leeds has a strong history of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in his family and was inspired to fundraise after seeing at first hand the debilitating effect of dementia and realising that currently there is no cure.
Mike has already cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End , regularly takes part in the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, has cycled Coast to Coast, completed parachute jumps and climbed Kilimanjaro- all raising over £10,000 for different charities including Jimmy’s Association for Kidney Children and Cancer Research UK.
His most recent challenge raised £15,000 and saw Mike cycle 4,320 miles from New York to San Francisco to celebrate his 60th birthday. This took him over seven weeks, covering on average an impressive 85 miles per day, staying in tents and motels en route. All money has gone to the Yorkshire Brain Research Centre to help tackle life-limiting brain conditions including Parkinson’s disease, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis and Dementia.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Mike has shown tireless dedication to raising a fantastic amount of money for the causes he supports. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to cycling across the USA, he has undertaken some incredible challenges. I am delighted to recognise Mike’s service as the UK’s 430th Point of Light.”
Mike said:
“I was very surprised and also very humbled to receive this award. I am very lucky to be able to complete challenges knowing that there are many people who are not in a position to do so. Life is not fair, but I hope that the money that I raise will play a small part in helping to make life fairer.”