Brave Ben’s epic bike ride already raised £5,000 for charity - but it won't stop there

A 29-year-old who is in the middle of an epic bike ride between John O'Groats and Land's End in honour of his late father has raised over £5,000 in just a few weeks.

Ben Johnson geared up for the immense trip on 28 July, and has been racking up to 100 miles per day. With every pedal stroke, Ben isn't just covering miles — he's channelling the spirit of his late father and raising as much as he can for two charities, the Christie Charitable Fund and Springhill Hospice.
 

Read more: Milnrow man honours late dad with emotional charity bike ride, repeating his routePublished: 25 May 2024

Ben's journey began in John O'Groats, Scotland, and he has made significant progress since setting off. "I have cycled from John O’Groats over the top coast and then dropped down at Bettyhill to begin my descent down the UK," Ben shared. "Currently on day 5 now having cycled through the Scottish Highlands, the middle of the Cairngorms, and cities including Inverness, Perth, and Edinburgh.

"Today we cross the English Border at Gretna Green and come through the Lake District to a village called Bampton this evening."

 

 

Ben's cousin, Ryan Lockley, joined the ride on 3 August, driving up in the early hours to accompany him on the cycle from the Lake District to Preston. Ben aims to reach his destination of Land's End on Friday 9 August, and is still hoping to boost his funds for two very good causes.

Reflecting on his journey so far, the Milnrow man expressed both the challenges and rewards of the ride. "There hasn’t been an easy day and it has been very warm every day, which is a good thing but also can be a bad thing at the same time. I have loved every day though regardless and appreciate every day doing this cycle with what I have seen and always remember the reason I am doing it."

Despite not considering himself a cyclist, Ben is giving everything to this endeavour. "I am no cyclist but believe me, I am giving this everything!"

His dad, Alan Johnson, was "selfless person" who also rode his bike for charity. Ben chose to honour him by getting in the saddle himself and raising funds for two meaningful charities, after sadly losing him to lung cancer in 2023.

Having met his initial fundraising target, Ben urges for continued support for the charities. "I may have met the target for the fundraiser, but let’s not stop there. These two charities deserve everything for the amazing hard work they do each and every day!"

The journey is not only a tribute to his father but also a testament to his determination and the enduring power of love and remembrance. As he continues to pedal towards Land's End, he carries with him the spirit of his father and the hope of making a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

Support Ben by visiting his JustGiving Page here.