Four men’s 1,000-mile ride to Land’s End for people they lost

Fifteen days ago, four men swung a leg over loaded touring bikes at John O’Groats and pointed south. This week they rolled into Land’s End, having ridden the length of the country for two Cornwall charities that mean everything to their families.

📷Credit: Ian Collick

1,000 miles, self-supported, the length of the country

Clayton, Ian Collick, Dylan and Josh set off from John O’Groats on 5 September, aiming to cycle the full length of the country to Land’s End, a ride of more than 1,000 miles. They rode self-supported, carrying all their own kit on the bikes and pitching a tent at campsites each night as they worked their way south, rather than relying on a support vehicle or booked accommodation.

Four local businesses, Mix 4 You Concrete, Vincent Tractors, RNR Construction and Kreftor Carpentry & Construction, offered to sponsor the ride and cover its costs, so the four could concentrate on the miles and the fundraising rather than the bills.

📷Credit: Ian Collick

Punctures, weather and a growing following

The ride wasn’t short of setbacks. The group rode through all sorts of weather on the way down and picked up their share of punctures too, the kind of thing that turns a long day in the saddle into a longer one. By this week they were on the final stretch, with a crowd of supporters back home cheering every mile.

📷Credit: Ian Collick

Two charities, and the people behind why they’re riding

The ride raises money for two causes with deep roots in the group’s own lives. Ian and Dylan are riding for Bowel Cancer West, a south west charity that funds research, raises awareness and trains health professionals to improve bowel cancer survival rates, in memory of David Waller and Gareth Jones. David was Ian’s father-in-law, lost 20 years ago, and Gareth was a best friend and godfather to the group, lost 10 years ago.

Clayton and Josh are riding for Penhaligon’s Friends, the Cornwall charity that supports bereaved children, young people and their families across the county. Clayton is riding in memory of his sister, Becky, ten years after losing her. “The love, memories and the space she left behind remain part of our lives every day,” he said. “This ride is my way of honouring Becky’s memory and giving something back to a charity that means so much to our family.”

Josh’s own family has leaned on Penhaligon’s Friends too. “It is reassuring to know that, if the worst were ever to happen, charities like Penhaligon’s would be there to support my family and so many others throughout Cornwall during their most difficult times,” he said.

The four set out with a target of £5,500 between the two charities. They’ve since raised more than £9,000, with donations still landing on their JustGiving page days after the ride finished.

“Well done lads for achieving that outstanding challenge. All that pain goes toward a great cause,” wrote one donor from Trewennack.

📷Credit: Ian Collick