Sam uses pedal power to fulfil American Dream challenge (From Gazette)

Sam uses pedal power to fulfil American Dream challenge

7:30pm Friday 1st April 2011 in News By Lauren Oldershaw

A CYCLIST aims to raise £20,000 for charity by travelling more than 2,800 miles across 12 American states.

Sam Smith is due to set off on the mammoth journey, from New York to Seattle, on May 4.

The 32-year-old, of Rosebank Road, West Mersea, has saved enough money to take up to two years off to make his dream come true.

Mr Smith, who until recently worked for a TV company in London, has already travelled across part of the USA.

But he decided this time he would raise cash for worthy causes at the same time.

He has funded all his equipment and travel costs, so any sponsorship will go to Dyslexia Action, Cancer Research UK and Cure, a US-based children’s charity.

Mr Smith said: “I chose Cure because it is helping the three-year-old daughter of friends of mine in America.

“I have mild dyslexia, so chose Dyslexia Action for that reason.

“Many of my family and friends have been affected by cancer, so I wanted to give something to a cancer charity.

“I hope to raise about £10,000 for Dyslexia Action and around £5,000 each for the others.’’ The journey can be tracked through his website, www.theran domwayhome.com, where there is also a link for anyone wishing to sponsor him.

Depending on his progress, Mr Smith could extend his trip to Mexico and South America.

He said: “I’m looking forward to riding through Pennsylvania and Kentucky. I’ve always wanted to visit Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, so I’m hoping to ride through them as well.

“There are so many places I’m looking forward to seeing, I couldn’t list them all.”