A HOMELESS Huntingdon man who lost his job, house and partner in just a few months has set off on an epic charity cycle ride around the English coast. Armed with only �50 and a tent, Richard Harrison left for the three-month bike ride on Thursday (August

A HOMELESS Huntingdon man who lost his job, house and partner in just a few months has set off on an epic charity cycle ride around the English coast.

Armed with only �50 and a tent, Richard Harrison left for the three-month bike ride on Thursday (August 13) with the aim of collecting �5,000 for Children in Need.

The 39-year-old is due to set off from Huntingdon at 5am, heading for Felixstowe before riding along the entire English coast.

Tesco has pledged to provide food for him at some of its stores along the journey.

Mr Harrison became homeless three weeks ago. It was a chain of events that started when he was involved in a car accident in May. He injured his back and was unable to continue his work as a bus driver.

He said the stress of not being able to work led to him to lose his home and his partner.

He has been sleeping in his car and staying at the homeless hostel in Coneygear Court, Huntingdon.

Mr Harrison told The Hunts Post that his change of circumstances meant he could now fulfil a lifelong ambition - to raise money for charity.

He said: "As I looked in the foot well of my car and saw my map book, I thought life goes on.

"I have always wanted to raise money for Children in Need and now that I have no home and no job to go to I have the opportunity to do this.

"Doctors have told me that exercise on a bike will probably do my back good but I don't think they were referring to an 11,000-mile ride!"

The father-of-five is hoping to cover 100 miles a day and is asking for individuals to help him reach his fundraising target by making online donations and businesses to sponsor him.

INFORMATION: To support Richard, visit www.justgiving.com/charitybikeman