Issue 329 – Float to the Coast raises £33,000 for charity

A BECKINGTON resident who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease has completed a 150 mile round trip in a 1973 milk float and raised over £33,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Alistair Banks set off from Beckington on the milk float on 29th May, with 20 friends including cycling ‘outriders’, travelling to Lulworth Cove near Weymouth.
Alistair was diagnosed with the terminal disease in July of last year and has since lost the use of his legs. But this has not stopped the optimistic father of two’s determination to raise funds for, and awareness about the incurable disease.
Alistair said, “The only problem we had with the milk float was where to charge it up each night. Apart from that, it really is the only way to travel.
“Everyone along the way was very supportive, from supermarkets where we collected money, to all of our supporters in Beckington. It’s an incredible experience.
“Some of my old band mates even joined us along the way who travelled from America to show their support. I really wanted to raise awareness about the disease and how supportive everything the Motor Neurone Disease Association has done for myself and my family.
“We were aiming to raise around £10,000 – but to get to £33,000 is a great achievement.”
For more information about Float to the Coast or to donate funds, visit the website www.floattothecoast.co.uk.