Lecturer joins record-breaking ride

Rebecca Gray • Published 24 Jun 2009 14:00

A FORMER soldier who suffered a heart attack aged just 36 has taken part in a record-breaking 1,000-mile motorbike ride.

James Watt College lecturer Paul Coleman undertook the gruelling 22-hour journey with 150 fellow bikers.

They rode from Sherburn-in-Elmet, in Yorkshire, to Wick in the north of Scotland, clocking up a total of 1,000 miles.

Paul, 50, is hoping to raise money for The Poppy Appeal, which supports war veterans as part of the Royal British Legion Rider Club"s "Saddle Sore" event.

He said: 'I was in the army for nine years and left in 1988. At the age of 36, I had a heart attack after being unwell for some time.

'The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association gave me financial assistance to go to college and gain a HNC, HND and finally a degree.

'I have been a lecturer ever since.

'The Saddle Sore event is a way for me to give something back and, hopefully, contribute something positive to the lives of other ex-service personnel in Scotland and the UK.

'A number of my students at the college have sponsored me and we are hoping to raise a lot more for this tremendous cause.'

Bikers from all over Britain

participated in the event on Saturday, the largest event of its kind to be staged in the United Kingdom.

Paul, who has had a keen interest in motorcycling since he was a youngster, represented the West of Scotland Royal British Legion Riders" branch in the event.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 24 Jun 09

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