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15
Oct
Harrogate tour guide Harry hospitalised after collision in Turkey
Harry Satloka, who runs Harrogate Free Walking Tours, has suffered an abrupt end to his international travels.
Harry took time off from his tours to embark on a cycling adventure from Harrogate to Cairo, the Egyptian capital, four months ago. The Stray Ferret has been keeping up to date with his journey.
But while cycling across Turkey on October 9, he was involved in a collision with a van just three days from his end point in the country.
He was going through a tunnel on his bicycle, which he has named Rudolph, when he was hit from behind by a vehicle travelling at around 50mph.
He was taken to Kahramanmaraş University Hospital. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Harry told the Stray Ferret today:
Remarkably I am alive and feeling very battered and bruised as well as rather sorry for myself. No broken bones or permanent damage which I am eternally grateful for.
Rudolph on the other hand is a write off. I managed to salvage his bell but everything else was destroyed, from the wheels to the frame. And as much as it pained me to say goodbye. I had to send him to the scrap yard.
I made a swift recovery and although I was well enough to travel to Alexandria. Unfortunately, I am still unable to cycle to Cairo and I am having to find another method to reach the Pyramids before coming home next week.
Harry Satloka and his bike, Rudolph, on the final leg of his trip prior to the collision
The Stray Ferret last caught up with Harry on October 10, the day after the collision, but he only shared the news of the crash today (October 15) after receiving legal advice about the ongoing investigation.
After six years of hosting tours in Harrogate, Harry set on his adventure and decided to combine his sabbatical with fundraising.
The challenge has seen him cycle almost 5,000 miles to raise money and awareness for the Harrogate charity Artizan International.
The charity supports differently-abled people in the UK and Latin America. It runs the Artizan café and creative space in Harrogate.
So far, he has raised over £1,600 for Artizan International.
He planned to return home in around two weeks time after reaching the Pyramids.
He said:
Having spent the last four months crossing Europe and then Turkey, I have finally made it to the Syrian border. The experience comes second only to the privilege that was being Harrogate's tour guide. The warmth, kindness and generosity of people has been truly humbling and reignited my faith in humanity. I have loved every minute from the mountain climbs to cruising along salt flats.
Due to the war, the plan has been for the last few weeks to fly from the border with Syria to Alexandria and carry on from there. Luckily given the extra miles I have put in, wiggling around visiting historic sights I have actually covered 1,000 more miles than just heading straight there so hopefully anyone who has donated to the wonderful Artizan wouldn't feel too cheated by flying over the Middle East.
Harry’s fundraiser is still live, and he still plans to make it to the Pyramids, albeit without cycling.
He said:
I can't express my disappointment and remorse to Artizan and all of the incredibly generous people who have already donated to such a fabulous cause, that I wasn't able to properly finish the trip. If anyone feels like they would like a refund for their donation I am happy to personally cover that.
To donate to his cause, click here.
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