Westbury man hands over cheque after epic challenge

Paul Bryant, a coach at Westbury Youth Football Club, set himself a challenge to run, cycle and row the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats – and back again in 2014. He completed the distance in November and raised £1,570 in the process.

He completed the final 15 miles of the challenge by cycling from the Dynamik Bodyz gym in Westbury where he has completed the challenge, to Dorothy House in Winsley where they looked after his late father-in-law James Lane.

He was joined on the final leg by friends and representatives from the Westbury Wheelers Club.

Paul said, “It was great and once there I was met by lots of family and friends who I had no idea were even in the county. It was a massive surprise and of course, Helen from Dorothy House was present to greet me and accept a cheque of the final amount and provide a cuppa.

“Covering the 1,824 miles has been achieved by hours on the stationary bike and rowing machine and has proved to be a massive laborious task, but worth every second with the amount that has been raised. The hospice needs every penny it can raise to continue to achieve the level of care they provide for terminally ill sufferers.  Hopefully this donation has helped and many more to follow.

“I found the challenge one of the most difficult challenges I think I have ever done.  Completing mile after mile after mile, week on week on week, has been very tough – especially with a very busy work schedule and obviously things going on in my private life. Cardiovascular type of workouts is not something I have been used to in the past so it was pretty tough but completing it has a very satisfying feeling, especially with the money that people have generously donated.

“I have never done anything like this before so I had no idea what to expect with regards to donations for my challenge. But the incredible response that I had has been overwhelming and the generosity of family and friends have been very much appreciated.

“Personally we as a family can’t thank Dorothy House enough for the care they provided a member of our family recently.”