Disabled Cheltenham residents complete virtual ride to John O’Groats despite lockdown

A team of residents and staff from charity Leonard Cheshire’s Gloucestershire House completed the 1673km (1040-mile) the Cornish coast to north-east Scotland – the longest distance between two inhabited points in Britain. The lockdown would not deter people’s determination to exercise safely indoors as they crossed the finish line on Easter weekend.

Dave Evans, 57, who lives at Gloucestershire House and uses a powerchair, began the LEJOG challenge in January to continue his weight loss programme after losing an impressive three stone. Dave and his friends completed the first miles outdoors thanks to the charity’s Gloucestershire Wheels for All scheme. Mid-March saw the team switch to static bikes in the home’s brand-new gym.  

Dave said:

“I’m delighted for everyone who got behind this challenge. I loved it, and so did all the riders. It brought a smile to everyone’s faces and boosted morale.

"The timing of the lockdown has meant that the fundraising aspect of the challenge has taken a big hit. Our Justgiving page is still open.” 

In a team with many full-time wheelchair users who have a wide range of disabilities, Dave helped many others feel the benefits of cycling and exercise. The challenge also helped keep spirits raised while the nation faces testing times. Dave’s giant map of landmarks also involved those not able to ride, with all residents sharing stories about past experiences and future holidays. 

Gloucestershire House supports up to 36 disabled adults and the home in the Leckhampton area of Cheltenham recently received a rating of ‘outstanding’ from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Leonard Cheshire’s Gloucestershire Wheels for All project enabled Dave and friends to rack up the initial miles outdoors, cycling at the Blackbridge Athletics track. Wheels for All provides inclusive cycling sessions for disabled people living across the region,  working with bespoke trike provider Tomcat to provide adaptive trikes for all abilities. Dave and his fellow cyclists now make the most of the static bikes in the Gloucestershire House gym.  

MaryClare Faulkner, project lead at Leonard Cheshire’s Wheels for All Gloucestershire Wheels for All scheme, said:

“The challenge is a brilliant idea from Dave and a great achievement for everyone. It was really enjoyable from start to finish. Huge congratulations to everyone involved!”

For all riders taking on the LEJOG challenge Dave organised special t-shirts, sponsored by Tomcat, designed with free help from Cheltenham-based company Pure Creative and printed at reduced cost by Gloucester-based company Five Valley labels and designs. 

To donate to the LEJOG 2020 Challenge in aid of Leonard Cheshire’s Gloucestershire Wheels for All scheme, please visit justgiving.com/gloucestershire-house-lejog-cycle-challenge.

Media enquiries

For additional information and photos, contact Nick Bishop in Leonard Cheshire’s external communications team on nick.bishop@leonardcheshire.org or call 01202 747100 or 07889 976267.

For further information about the challenge, Gloucestershire Wheels for All and the participants, you can also contact Wheels for All Project Lead MaryClare Faulkner via maryclare.faulkner@leonardcheshire.org or call 07393 867572.