Paul gets on his bike for “Little Orchids”

Former Brigade player and North West umpire Paul Simpson is taking to his bike next weekend in aid of locally-based Autism Awareness group, Little Orchids.

Paul will begin his journey next Saturday morning in Kesh, home of North Fermanagh CC and cycle from there to Coleraine- via all the senior grounds in the North West. His total journey is around 115 miles and Paul has asked the clubs if they would help him with a collection at each ground over the next week or so which will he will then donate directly to the chosen charity.

Explaining the idea, he said this wasn’t the first time the journey had been undertaken.

“Almost exactly five years ago the “mystery cyclist” (who we now know to be Paul Campbell- father of Coleraine player, Scott) did the same journey in aid of the Hospital for Sick Children. He started in Kesh at 6am so there wouldn’t have been much life at several of the grounds on his route, although he did take a photo at the gate of every one of them to prove he had done it.”

“I suppose I fancied the challenge but the local cricket clubs here have a deep affinity with local charities and I hoped that maybe we could raise a few quid for a fantastic cause along the way.”

The NWCU has already contacted clubs to notify them of Paul’s project and the man himself is hoping to arrange a contact at each club to help him out.