Secretary is ready for his biggest challenge yet!

A fan of the Essex club for more than 20 years, the 35-year-old is getting ready for his biggest challenge yet since taking up cycling last year in memory of Town's former chairman Tony Last.

He passed away last summer aged 65 after suffering a heart attack at the ground while watching Garry Kimble's side prepare for their first season in the Ryman's top flight following promotion.

The county's air ambulance landed nearby to treat him and Barrell is hoping the Ryman League's fans will help him raise as much money as possible so the flying medics can continue helping others in the future by donating on his online fundraising page.

Barrell, who will pick up supplies on route from the club's chairman Mark Nicholls and other officials expected to be cheering him on, is setting off at lunchtime on the six and half hour cycle to reach Aldiss Park in time for the 7.45pm kick-off.

The matchday secretary said: "I'm doing the ride in memory of Tony as the Essex Air Ambulance is a great charity to support and they were scrambled to help him.

"I know from being involved with football and being a keen cyclist now that you never know when you will ever need its help. I have only been cycling for a year and this will be the longest ride I will have attempted to date but I am looking forward to it and raising funds for a great cause."

To donate visit the match secretary's charity page at: www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Barrell.

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