A team of cyclists completed a 910-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for The Children’s Centre. The nine day challenge ended on Sunday July 8 with the group riding into John O’Groats late in the afternoon after a gruelling but rewarding few days in the saddle. The riders averaged more than 100 miles per day and faced some tough climbs and challenging weather along the way.
Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre who also rode the whole way with the fundraisers, said:
“It was a very tough ride and we had every type of weather apart from snow during the nine days. There were a few riders struggling with colds but everyone pulled together and there was a great team spirit in the group which ensured that everyone all made it to the finish. We expect that the event will raise more than £15,000 for The Children’s Centre and I would like to thank all of the riders who took part, their supporters, and the many sponsors who have pledged funds to support our charitable projects across the Island.”
The riders who completed the LEJOG trip are Jude Bullough, Tony Cawte, David Churcher, Rob Christian, Gill Churcher, Andrew Cowley, Peter Harrison, Andy Dunn, Peter Harrison, Tristen Head, Gary Johnson, Richard Lardner-Burke, Duncan Mackay, Findlay Macleod, Jason Mallone, Mike Reaney, Robert Quane, Tanya Sanderson, Paul Swindale, Bill Shimmins, and John Venables. The team were supported on the challenge by Harry Eastham, Mike Gardner and Paul Warburton. There’s a blog about their adventures at http://tcclejog2012.blogspot.com/.
John Knight, Chief Executive of The Children’s Centre, led a relay team which rode an 840 mile route from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 56 hours 57 minutes. The team included Juan Owens, Michael Kneale and Giles Hill and they were supported in their efforts by Curtis Gizzi and Jodi Molesworth. When they signed up for the LEJOG challenges earlier this year all of the riders had access to advice from cycling experts Andrew Roche and Jacqui Fletcher who have both represented the Island at the Commonwealth Games. The Children’s Centre fundraising team also gave the participants advice on collecting sponsorship. For more information about The Children’s Centre’s adventure events go to http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/events/.
PHOTO CAPTION - The Children’s Centre’s LEJOG team cyclists at John O’Groats.
