Friends cycle the length of the UK for leading Sussex hospice

Laura Nott and Michael Breathwick cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.

In just 16 days, the keen cyclists cycled approximately 1,000 miles, unsupported, covered the distance of the length of the UK, and covered elevation that was the equivalent to going up Mount Everest twice. Their incredible feat raised more than £2,600 for the hospice.

Along the way they were supported by other friends, Hannah Alsop and Kurtis Gamble, who rode alongside them for a couple of days each to keep morale high, the charity said.

Laura added: “This ride was really special for me and Michael as it was in memory of my grandma, Joyce, who passed away under the care of the hospice in June.

“St Catherine’s provided much needed palliative care and support, not just to my Grandma, but to all our family and friends. We really wanted to raise money to help make sure the hospice can provide the same level of love and care we received to more patients and more families in need in the future. We know that it’s been an extremely challenging time for St Catherine’s in the face of COVID-19 but they’ve kept the hospice running and their essential care going.”

The team were overwhelmed with the support they received, she said. Laura added: “It’s lovely to know it’s going towards such a worthy cause.

“We had donations from people we met on route on our journey, and people were able to track our progress, and all of the fun, beautiful and painful moments on Strava!”

Michaela Clements, events fundraising manager at St Catherine’s said: “We’re so incredibly grateful to Laura, Michael, and their friends for taking on such an ambitious challenge to raise money for our hospice. The money they’ve raised will make a huge difference to others in their community and allow us to care for people at a time it’s never been more needed.

“We’re so humbled by the brilliant challenges our supporters take on for us, and I’m so glad that Laura and Michael were able to take on and complete this challenge despite coronavirus and bike punctures along the way. On behalf of everyone at St Catherine’s, I’d like to congratulate them on an epic journey, and to thank them for their wonderful support.”

To make a donation to support Laura and Michael visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-nott-lejog