KEEPING the Morning Star alive and kicking has always been a challenge.

Now, the Merseyside and Manchester Morning Star Readers and Supporters Groups have come together to set another challenge.

In celebration of our 10th anniversary, Pedal4Progress is going back to its roots — adapting our original coast-2-coast route and welcoming many previous participants to our socialist cycle challenge.

The ride will set off from Liverpool on July 26, passing through Manchester, stopping at Wortley Hall on the 27th, moving on to Selby on 28th and finishing in Hull on 29th.

But you don’t have to wait for the ride to start before showing your support.

Feel free to dig deep now and give generously to encourage the riders on their way.

Our aim is to raise £10,000 for the Morning Star. It would be fantastic if you and/or your trade union Branch or Region could help us reach our target figure. Payment details are below.

David McKnight

Any amateur who puts on the red jersey of the Vuelta de Espana is making a big statement about their intentions.

Is David perfectly poised to become the Morning Star’s McKnight in shining lycra, or will this resolute revolutionary be left rotating at the rear?

David says: “The Morning Star coverage of the cost-of-living crisis continues to cut through the right-wing narrative of the media. The Morning Star always stands with us and never ignores the experience of the working class.” 

Les Doherty

Rumours are circulating that our Pedal4Progress team leader has been riding hundreds of miles a week on nothing but black coffee and doughnuts.

Is Les sufficiently caffeinated to attempt a heroic solo breakaway, or will the hole in the middle of his training plan see him spat out the back of the pack?

Les says: “The Morning Star has always presented the ideological and practical alternatives to the cost-of-living crisis, war and oppression. It is a tool for organising and the only national daily that reports on trade union victories, constantly reminding us of our strength through collective bargaining.”

Bernadette Keaveney

With none of her colleagues in the Morning Star business team willing to speak on the record, speculation is mounting that this wild-card entry has her eye on the coveted Queen of the Mountains jersey.

Does Bernie have the beans to put down the hammer in the hills, or will she be suffering with the sprinters in the bunch at the back?

Bernie says: “Riding with Pedal4Progress this year is a real honour and a challenge that is twofold. What a great way to raise the profile of the paper, raise money and generally have a fabulous time with great comrades. On a personal level I hit 60 years young in a matter of weeks. In my mind I’m still 21 but my body says otherwise so to complete this will be a bit of a do or die event.” 

Mark David-Gray

Despite his name, our breakaway specialist is actually one of the more colourful characters in the peloton. Is Mark the best bet to beat the bunch, or will it be all show and no go for the veteran rider from Sarf London?

Mark says: “Major news brands have a crisis of trust because they act as mouthpieces for the Establishment. Only the Morning Star speaks truth to power and supports the working class.”

Pete Middleman

With a reputation for all-or-nothing attacks, you’ll find this rider either off the front or blown out the back, but never in the middle, man. Will Pete’s plans backfire in Brayford, or will it be the peloton that pops under pressure in Pollington?

Pete says: “What really has always set the paper apart has been its superb international coverage. Always setting out in forensic detail the case for peace and socialism. From Cuba to Palestine to Ukraine the paper’s reporting and features are essential for all progressives.”

Regi Thomas

This King of the Mountains contender from Liverpool has been known to veer off course and take his own novel route. Will Regi pedal for pride and progress, or will he lose his way in the wuthering heights?

Regi says: “The Morning Star is the newspaper that reports news for the many and not for the few. Other outlets owned by billionaires fail to represent our society. Real journalism, real news, for real people, that’s why I support the Morning Star.”

Hazel Roberts

A veteran of five P4P editions, our embedded artist and designer liked what she saw so much she decided to try her luck on the other side of the logistics wagon.

Will Hazel be painting the town red at the end of each stage, or will she rest and relax to pedal like a pro? 

Hazel says: “As an artist and designer, I understand the power of the collective and the impact it can have on creativity. The Morning Star is the only daily that shares and forwards these values.”

Bob Oram

As chair of the Morning Star’s management committee, this rider is our de facto directeur sportif.

But will Bob be bossing the bends like a big-wheeled Bolshevik, or will he meander like a Menshevik on a dodgy descent?

Bob says: “The Star is part of my life. I look forward to getting it every day. It is my teacher, an inspiration, a friend and companion for over 30 years. I love the Morning Star.”

PAYMENT

Bank transfers can be made to: Merseyside Morning Star, sort code 60-83-01, account number 20428060. Please reference your donation P4P10

Cheques should be made payable to Merseyside Morning Star and sent to 10 Hadassah Grove, Liverpool L17 8XH.

If you need an invoice to raise the money, please email cad@ier.org.uk or for further details contact Les Doherty (07733 266-307) or Carolyn Jones (07941 076-245).