I’m about to cycle non-stop for 48 hours, again.

I’m about to cycle non-stop for 48 hours, again.

Some of you may remember that last year I took on the inaugural 48-hour cycle challenge – and won – cycling 747km from the Scottish Highlands to Salisbury Cathedral. And thanks to the support of many of you, I raised ￡2,000 for The Care Workers’ Charity, which provided much needed financial aid to our frontline care workers.

Well the challenge is back. And so am I.

On Friday 19th May I’ll be embarking on what I hope will be my longest cycle yet. I have 48 hours to cycle as far as I can, completely unsupported. And I have an even more ambitious fundraising target of ￡10,000.

To meet it, this year I am calling on my business network to support The Care Workers’ Charity. Suppliers to the care industry, and businesses that support what the care industry does, I’d like you to dig deep and offer your support. There will be a range of corporate sponsorship packages available, each limited to just a few businesses, which will have a real impact on our vital care workforce.

It couldn’t come at a better time. The Care Workers’ Charity has recently issued an urgent appeal for help, asking supporters to ‘step up’ and raise ￡100,000 before the end of May. This has come in the wake of a U-turn from government on workforce development funding for care, and reform which takes away support for wellbeing.

The Care Workers’ Charity is unique in the support it offers. Set-up in 2009 to support care workers in periods of financial crisis, the charity has found itself facing ever-increasing demand. Its current programmes provide hardship funds, mental health support and training to care workers in need, with the average grant being ￡500.

If you’d like to support me by becoming one of our corporate sponsors, please email me. Alternatively, if you’d like to make an individual donation of any amount, you can donate directly here. Anything you can give is most gratefully received.

About the challenge

The 48-hour cycle challenge was conceived by my friend and fellow cyclist Paul Berney of connected care platform Anthropos. Paul had the idea when he bought a new Bianchi bike from Milan in 2018 and decided to ride it home to London. It made him think – just how far could you ride in 48 hours?

In the challenge, riders must cycle as far as they can in 48 hours – with distances judged as the crow flies. Taking a ferry is permitted (because the length of the UK might not be far enough!) but no other forms of public transport. Any distance travelled by ferry will be subtracted from the final figure. Riders must be unsupported, carrying whatever they need with them or buying it along the way.