76-year-old Methodist cycles 600 miles to combat poverty

Former RE teacher Colin Brannen is cycling fromNewcastle-Upon-Tyne to London - and back - to join thousands offellow supporters of the Enough Food For Everyone IF campaign inHyde Park on Saturday June 8.

Colin, 76, who has been cycling for over 60 years and doesn't owna car, hopes to raise awareness of the campaign throughout hisjourney by adorning his bike with posters and talking to peoplealong the route.

He said: "I want to bring about change and encourage thegovernment to be more supportive of our campaign againstpoverty."

Colin has previously cycled from Newcastle to Brighton for a TradeJustice event at the Labour Party conference in 2004, Birminghamfor the G8 in 1998, and part of the way to Cologne to also rallythe G8 in 1999.

Colin has been a Christian Aid district organiser for over 30years, overseeing activities in his own church, WesterhopeMethodist, and five others in the area. He will be timing his epicride to finish at the Big IF London rally in Hyde Park which takesplace on Saturday June 8 from 2pm to 5pm.

Find out more about the Big If campaign in Hyde Park here.