Issue 466 – Westbury cyclists conquer 900 miles for charity

After nine long days and 900 gruelling miles, two Westbury cyclists have triumphantly completed their epic charity cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. 

Ed Coleman and Julian Morris, who both live in Westbury, commenced their unsupported cycle ride on the 8th July, and reached their finish line at John O’Groats on Friday 16th July. 
The duo encountered both sweltering hot weather and howling winds and rain over the course of their ride, while taking the pressure of the delays, difficulties and aching muscles in their stride. On their longest day, Ed and Julian covered an impressive 130 miles and over the course of the whole ride, the duo kept their supporters updated with regular posts to their twitter page. 
Ed and Julian arrived at John O’Groats last Friday in pouring rain, where they signed a special register kept there for people who have completed the challenge. They celebrated by going out for a meal and a few beers before heading back to Westbury the next day. 
On completing the challenge, Ed said: “It feels great, fantastic. It was very hard over the last few days – the weather changed on us and we were battling the elements. When we got to John O’Groats it felt very wintery, and it was tipping down with rain. We’re really pleased to have done it in 9 days.”
“When you’re on the bike you concentrate a few miles at a time and don’t really realise the distance you’re covering! We got over a couple of technical troubles – one thing was we had several punctures going through Glasgow – the roads were terrible.”
Other cyclists supported Ed and Julian as they made their way up the country. On day two, four Matravers teachers joined the duo on the stretch of their journey from Taunton to Westbury, while a number of Matravers students, a representative from Westbury Lions, and members of Westbury Wheelers met the cyclists at Standerwick to accompany them on their approach to Westbury. 
The challenge was completely self-funded so every penny raised will go directly to the duo’s chosen charities; Macmillan Cancer Support and Spinal Research. The enormous fund-raising cycle challenge was largely motivated by ill health and misfortune which struck those close to the two riders.
Ed explained, “Our close friend and cycling companion Shaun was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. He was a founder member of our informal cycling group known as the White Horse Riders who go on regular Sunday rides over Salisbury plain and through the Wiltshire countryside. Sadly Shaun recently lost his long-term battle with kidney cancer on the 16th April. He will be remembered not only for his never give up attitude, before and during his fight against cancer but most of all his friendship.
Macmillan Cancer Support provided support and comfort to Shaun and his family. We have chosen to support Macmillan Cancer Support to help others affected by this terrible illness.”
“Sam Puttick was just 16 months old, when he was involved in a terrible car accident. The injuries he incurred to his spinal-cord meant he was unable to feel or move from the neck down and was dependent on a ventilator for his breathing. In May 2009 Sam contracted meningitis, and he died at home aged only five. Sam’s parents Neil and Kazumi could not live without him, and took their own lives shortly after. Having known the family we were deeply moved by the sequence of events that lead to the family’s tragic end, and wanted to do something to offer hope to those in the same situation as dear little Sam.”
Over £3,300 had been pledged before the duo started their ride. However, with money raised by Matravers school and other donations that have come in since yet to be added to the total, the two cyclists hope that their efforts will raise between £4,000 and £5,000. People can continue to support the duo by donating online through visiting www.longneighup.co.uk.