“It’s something I feel I must do”: Fen cyclist looks to make an impact by tackling 250-mile vegan challenge
Sean Barrs is set to tackle a 250-mile cycle ride in aid of the Veganuary Group. Picture: SEAN BARRS - Credit: Archant
From theatre duty manager to endurance cyclist, a Coates man is looking to achieve what many have perhaps not.
Sean Barrs is taking on a 250-mile cycle ride across the Kerala region in India over six days in February to raise money for vegan charity the Veganuary Group, in a bid to promote the benefits of veganism.
This will be the longest distance Sean, who has been a vegan for eight years, has encountered so far, but he is very much relishing the challenge.
"It's a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness for veganism and it's something I feel like I must do," Sean said.
"Vegans need to represent themselves in the healthiest way possible, and the completion of this challenge is testimony to the benefits of the diet.
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"It's the longest distance I've taken on and the Indian heat will certainly make it more difficult.
"Since being vegan, I have found that I have more energy, need less sleep and recover quicker from exercise.
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"We get back from our bodies what we put in - why not put the best fuel in?"
Sean aims to raise around £1,000 from the ride, as benchmarked by the Veganuary Group, and looks to make an impact from tackling the mammoth event.
"Once I get myself set on a challenge, I don't relent until I've completed it," he added.
"I have three marathons and an ultra-marathon (70 miles) to complete.
"Once I've done all that, I will start some cross-training for the ride.
"Veganism has grown rapidly over the last five years, but there are still negative stereotypes associated with the world.
"People still ask me where I get my protein from; people still think vegans are weak despite there being leading athletes and bodybuilders who follow the diet.
"I'm a member of Vegan Runners UK, a running club that demonstrates vegans can be just as fit as non-vegans, and this cycle ride works towards a similar aim.
"If doing this challenge inspired just one person to take on a vegan diet, then I will consider it a success."
To sponsor Sean or for more information on the ride, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sean-barrs-vegan-cycle-india.