John Giffen of National Express train operator c2c is preparing to take part in the London to Southend bike ride to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
John, a cleaner for c2c is a familiar face at Westcliff and Southend East stations where he works to keep the stations clean and presentable.
As a keen cyclist, 2011 marks the fifth year in a row that John has taken part in the arduous bike ride, last year completing the course in under four hours.
The charity bike ride takes place on Sunday 17 July at Victoria Park in East London and follows a 52 mile route through the picturesque villages of South Essex and finishing at Southend’s Priory Park.
Around 3,500 riders are expected to take part in the event.
John is supported in his fundraising efforts by his colleagues at c2c and also collects any loose change he comes across while cleaning the stations and donates this to the BHF once a year, along with the sponsorship money he has raised.
John takes part in the event as a tribute to his former work colleague Albert Byrne.
Julian Drury Managing Director of c2c said:
“As well as providing the best possible service for our customers, the team at c2c are also active in the community we serve and John is a fine example of this, dedicating much of his own time training for the bike ride and fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.
“I wish him every success again on Sunday.”
