Local GP joins 125-mile cycle challenge to help make Northampton happier and healthier

A local GP has joined a lengthy cycle challenge in a bid to help make the people of Northampton happier and healthier.

Action for Happiness was set up by Dr David Smart and a group of volunteers based on the ‘10 Keys to Happier Living’ framework.

As part of the movement, David, a keen cyclist, has joined the Northampton Bikers and will take part in their 125-mile ride later this month, which will total around 11 hours in the saddle, to raise money for Action for Happiness.

David, who has been a GP at Leicester Terrace Healthcare Centre for three decades, said: “COVID-19 has been a very difficult time for us all and one of the things that has kept me sane has been cycling.

“It also enabled me to lose weight to keep me a little safer should I become infected. I am now the same weight I was when I joined Leicester Terrace 30 years ago.”

The Action for Happiness group has also developed a Happy Café Network, which will be launched soon and will provide a warm welcome to customers, wellbeing resources and courses to improve happiness.

The funds raised by the cyclists will be used to support the volunteers in spreading the message of the Action for Happiness movement.

The challenge will begin at 7am at Delapre Abbey on August 16, where it will also end.

Visit the cyclist’s JustGiving page to support the movement.

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