They can ride 500 miles, and they will ride 500 more

A team of residents and staff from charity Leonard Cheshire’s Gloucestershire House reached the halfway mark on Thursday 12 March in their 1673km (1040 mile) virtual route from the Cornish coast to north-east Scotland.

 

Dave Evans 57, who lives at Gloucestershire House and uses a powerchair, launched the challenge in a bid to boost fitness and has already lost 21kg (3 stone). He uses static bikes at the home and is able to ride outdoors too thanks to the charity’s Gloucestershire Wheels for All scheme.  

In a team with many full-time wheelchair users who have a wide range of disabilities, Dave is also helping others feel the benefits of exercise.

Dave said:

‘I am enjoying the challenge. We chose a route from Land’s End to John O’Groats because it is an iconic journey. To be able to contribute to a big team goal gives exercise a purpose and encourages people to get involved. It’s really beneficial – mentally and physically.  It’s a great feeling to reach halfway.'

From the start of the virtual route at Land’s End in Cornwall through to its conclusion at John O’Groats in north- east Scotland, the LEJOG challenge is the longest distance between two inhabited points in mainland Britain. Dave still involves those not able to cycle, his giant map of landmarks generating conversations about past experiences and future holidays. 

Harriet Gallagher, Occupational Therapist at Gloucestershire House, said:

‘It is great to see things like the Challenge taking place. It is so pleasing to see residents supporting and motivating each other; it really gets everybody involved and creates such a lovely atmosphere in the home. Keep up the good work!'

Leonard Cheshire’s Gloucestershire Wheels for All project enables Dave and friends to rack up the miles outdoors, cycling at the Blackbridge Athletics track and in the beautiful Forest of Dean.

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 also make the most of the static bikes in Gloucestershire House’s brand-new gym.  

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.

Media enquiries

For additional information and photos, contact Nick Bishop in Leonard Cheshire’s external communications team:  E: nick.bishop@leonardcheshire.org. T: 01202 747100. 07889 976267. Out of hours press office mobile: 07903 949 388.

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.

Gloucestershire Wheels for All

Find out more about Leonard Cheshire’s outdoor inclusive cycling project. You can also contact Project Lead MaryClare Faulkner on maryclare.faulkner@leonardcheshire.org or call 07393 867572

Tomcat SNI Ltd

For further information about specialist trike providers Tomcat, visit: www.tomcatuk.org.