A Chilcompton resident, who is set to retire after working for over thirty-five years in social housing, helping provide homes to nearly a quarter of a million people, has set himself a challenge to cycle 3,500 miles from Seattle to Washington DC this summer. In doing so, he will be helping to repair and renovate the homes of six families along the way.

Tim Bruce is hoping to raise between £5,000 and £10,000 for the Fuller Center for Housing, a registered charity in America who work internationally, and have provided new homes to 4,900 homeless families and undertaken building renovations to some 400,000 properties.

Whilst he may be retiring, his passion for the provision of housing is undiminished, and Tim will be stopping off en route to help the charity along the way, personally meeting all of the costs so that all of the money he raises goes to the Fuller Center for Housing.

Tim told The Journal: “I’ve never attempted anything like this before, but that just makes the challenge more exciting and, right now, rather daunting!

“But if you don’t set yourself a challenge, life can seem more like a treadmill than a trip through wonderful landscapes.

“I used to cycle a bit in my youth, and did a few long journeys, but that was many years ago, and I have become rather used to a car!

“Being a father to four kids meant it was much easier to get around with a car than a bike. But I believe I can do this – I think you are never too old to challenge yourself and do something you dreamed of doing.

“I’ve started training and I did have to dust off my cycling and rowing machines and weights to do so. I am currently seeking the advice of a local personal trainer to make sure I don’t do something stupid and end up injured.

“I feel like I’m starting from a position most people would face. I’ve not done regular exercise for some time; other than walking my golden retriever, so this is a whole new ball game!

“Part of the attraction of the journey is that there will be six stops to carry out repairs and renovations to the homes of six families along the way.

“This practical outworking can create ripples for the whole family to go on to greater things. For example, a family in Peru, who have benefitted from a new home, have, years on, seen their daughter now training to become a lawyer, having formerly been homeless.

“All of the materials will be sourced by the Fuller Center for Housing and all of us on the trip will work together on these homes to hopefully create a lasting legacy.

“The trip is organised by the charity, and, with nine sections to the journey, people can join in, either for the whole trip, or in sections. At present, there are around twenty riders who will attempt the whole trip, myself being one of them!”

Tim has set up a Justgiving page for anyone who would like to donate to his retirement challenge at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tim-Bruce With music being his first love, you can also check out Tim’s website, where he will also be posting photographs at: www.timbrucemusic.co.uk/tim-s-ammerican-adventure-2019

Good luck, Tim!