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Regional press news - this story published 10 November 2004

Press snapper lives the dream in China

by Nikki Sargeson

A kind-hearted press photographer has raised £2,500 for learning disability charity Mencap after finally fulfilling his dream of going to China.

Doug Moody, chief photographer at the Evening Gazette in Middlesbrough, had first planned to take part in a charity bike ride across the country in May 2003, but was forced to change his plans after outbreak of the SARS virus.

The end of the ride and Doug celebrates with Mencap reps Chantel Scurr and Nicola Robinson

Instead he travelled to Egypt where he completed a mammoth 267 mile cycle across the Sinai Desert, but still dreamed of going to China.

And the dream finally came true when earlier this month he completed the China Bike Ride, a 245 mile route from the Great Wall to Tiananmen Square.

Doug, (49), said: "I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was everything that I expected and more."

The lensman was one of 70 people from across Britain to volunteer for the ten-day trip, which included five days of cycling, with distances of up to 68 miles.

Starting out at Mutianyu, the group made there way to Ming Tombs, and after an overnight stay they continued to Longquin Gorge.

They then made their way to Mentougou, before embarking on their longest day of cycling, to Shidu, and the final day took them to Tiananmen Square, via Marco Polo Bridge, where they were greeted by a champagne reception at the finish line.

Near the top of a 10km climb in Beijing province

Doug said: "I was very proud and relieved to finish. I'd had a nasty fall on the third day and honestly didn't know if I'd be able to get back on the bike, but after some painkillers and a good night's sleep I was okay.

"It was a lot tougher than last year - maybe because I didn't train as hard, or because I was a stone heavier!

"But there was also a lot of hills. One day there were four hairpin hills and the longest was a 10km climb."

During the trip the group also made time to visit a school in Beijing for people with learning difficulties, where they were greeted enthusiastically.

Doug said: "Everyone was so pleased to see us. In fact during the whole trip people would come out and wave to us as we cycled past.

"What I will always remember is how nice the people were."

And after cycling through Egypt and China, Doug is already looking ahead to next year.

He said: "I'll definitely do something. I've heard Mencap might be organising a cycle through the Gran Canyon, so that is one option.

"I'm making a CD of photographs from this year's trip and about 60 people have asked for a copy. I'm asking for a £10 donation so that will give me £600 towards next year's fundraising total."