JUST over a year ago, in cold or damp days, Andover Advertiser sports editor Kerry Miller was forced to utilise a wooden walking stick just to get around, as his massive frame and arthritis wrecked knees became less and less compatible. At the top of the stick was a metal badge proclaiming that he had successfully walked the 3,560 feet to the top of Mount Snowdon and the irony was not lost on the 49 year old who until his early 30s had played cricket, rugby and football before a career as a referee was halted mid-whistle by the onset of the disease. " From being 14 stone and fit enough to regularly do 10,000m training runs and walk 30 miles along the Ridgeway, I gradually became less active and more sedentary and the weight began to rise" said Kerry, " The pain from the knees was such that if could avoid walking I would and things just got steadily worse as the years went by". Then with his weight having reached an all time high at 23 stone two years ago, an exploratory operation to assess the extent of the damage revealed the shocking truth. "The surgeon confirmed that in his opinion if I remained at that weight my joints would not support me for much longer and that I would at best be on sticks, and at worst in a wheelchair within a year."

The prospect of being a wheelchair bound sports editor did not appeal and so began a sojourn which will culminate this August in a sponsored cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End to raise funds for Naomi House Children’s Hospice, nr Andover.

" The fitting of a gastric band last year kick-started a weight loss campaign and although the band ultimately failed, a fitness regime based at Andover Leisure Centre has carried on the good work and Kerry is now happily addicted to training, and in particular cycle spinning. "I discovered spinning last summer and love the feeling that I am now fit enough to enjoy it. Where a year ago I would perspire just from walking up stairs which would be a demoralising feeling, now the feeling of sweat pouring from me is positive and not negative."

Kerry’s daunting ride begins at John O’Groats in mid August and will last around 18 days, ending on September 5, his 50^th birthday, at Lands End. On the way he will not be abandoning his roots as he intends to watch football matches as diverse as Wick Academy and Truro City where he will be hopefully collecting shirts or footballs to auction to raise more funds.

The route will include Loch Ness, Gretna, the Lake District, the Welsh Marches and the Somerset Levels where he will be able to pop home for a cup of tea before the final push to Cornwall and the world renowned finger post at Lands End.

Naturally a ride of this type will be supported as well as sponsored and Kerry is looking for as much help as he can from the good people of Andover and beyond. "Naomi House Children’s Hospice is a wonderful place which exists solely through public donations and provides care and solace to around 200 families a year. I want to raise as much cash I can but also need help to complete the ride."

Kerry is looking to borrow a suitable vehicle which will be able to carry three people, three bikes and a tent as well as the usual everyday stuff. He is also looking to borrow a couple of spare bikes to back up his own. "Should any cyclists have spare gear that they can live without for three weeks, such as gloves, shorts, size ten cycling shoes, crash hats then I would be most grateful" adding "And if anyone in the area is mad enough to have done it already and has any tips on routes to avoid, that will also be well received."

The whole trip will be immortalised on camera and a book will follow which will include acknowledgements of all sponsors in the form of prime advertising space, again all proceeds from which will go to Naomi House.

Kerry can be contacted at the Andover Advertiser on 01264 321208 or on 07702 502039. His e-mail address is kerry.miller@andoveradvertiser.co.uk