Eight cyclists have completed a 308-mile journey from London to Brussels, raising almost £20,000 for Swindon welfare charity Best Mates.
The four-day challenge was the charity’s second overseas fundraising ride, following 2024’s London to Paris cycle, when 15 riders raised more than £30,000 to support Best Mates’ work helping people through life’s toughest moments.
This year, the team set off from London’s Hyde Park before cycling to Harwich, covering 88 miles before boarding the overnight ferry to the Hook of Holland. Day two took the riders through The Hague to Amsterdam before heavy rain and falling temperatures made day three’s journey to Breda via Gouda and Rotterdam the toughest of the challenge.
The final leg took the cyclists into Belgium via Antwerp before reaching the finish line at Brussels’ famous Grand Place. Even an unexpected collision with a tourist, which saw one rider take a tumble just hours before the finish, couldn’t stop the team completing the challenge together.
What made this year’s ride particularly special was that two people who have received support from Best Mates completed the challenge alongside the rest of the team, giving fellow riders a first-hand insight into the charity’s impact.
Carl McCulloch, co-founder of Best Mates, said “Eight riders, three countries, 308 miles cycled and just under £20,000 raised to support people who really need it is an amazing achievement by everybody involved, continuing to spread the word and support people through their most challenging times.
“What made this challenge even more special was having Darren and Lee riding alongside us. They showed exactly why Best Mates exists. Nobody was left behind, everyone looked out for one another and friendships were formed that will last well beyond this ride.”
Darren said taking on the challenge gave him a renewed sense of purpose after receiving support from Best Mates over the past 18 months.
“I wanted to give something back to the charity that has helped me over the last 18 months. Training for the ride gave me a purpose and something positive to focus on.
“Crossing the finish line was overwhelming. More than anything, it showed the other riders the difference their fundraising makes to people’s lives.”
Lee said “This ride meant so much because of the struggles I’ve been through. Best Mates supported me during one of the most difficult periods of my life and taking on this challenge felt like the right way to give something back.
“Crossing the finish line, seeing my family there and then turning around to see everyone hugging and crying is something I’ll never forget.”
The money raised will help Best Mates continue providing confidential, lived experience support to people facing life’s toughest moments because no one should face them alone.
Behind the scenes, support crew Paul Howlett, Karen Howlett and Andy Hughes ensured the challenge ran safely and smoothly, giving up their time to support the riders throughout the four-day event following months of planning and preparation.
Carl added “Every person who took part, donated, supported or gave up their time made this challenge possible. The riders may have crossed the finish line in Brussels, but the money they’ve raised will continue changing lives long after the bikes have been put away. We’re incredibly proud of every single person who played a part.”
To find out more about Best Mates or to support the charity’s work, visit https://bestmates.org/
Article from Scott Media
