From 11th to 25th August, Dave Wilkinson will take part in LEJOG End to End 2018 – a cycle ride of approx. 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Dave would like to invite you to sponsor him as he embarks on this huge challenge with all money raised being pledged to the Friends of Hartford Manor (FOHM) - PTA of Hartford Manor Primary School & Nursery - a cause very close to Dave and his family.

Dave’s 6 grandchildren all attended Hartford Manor Primary School & Nursery, 4 of them are currently at the school, with his two eldest grandchildren now at Hartford CofE High School.

All of the money raised by Dave will be donated in full to the FOHM. Dave is covering all of his expenses relating to the entry to the event, accommodation and expenses. FOHM is a registered charity no. 1153908.

Read Dave’s story:

I am 62 years of age. I grew up in Cuddington, then moved to Castle, before settling in Hartford where I have now lived for more than 30 years.

Both my daughters attended local schools in Hartford and my six grandchildren have all attended Hartford Manor Primary School & Nursery (two are now at Hartford CofE High School). If you have children at the school or have done in years gone by, then I am probably a familiar face to you on the school playground or perhaps you or your children know my daughters or grandchildren (surnames Solomon or Miller).

After taking early retirement a few years ago, I took up cycling. I took part in the Coast to Coast (C2C) ride from Whitehaven to Tynemouth, completing 150 miles in just 2 days.

Seeking a bit more of a challenge, last summer, I rode the length of Ireland from Mizen Head to Malin Head, this time completing 500 miles in 1 week.

This was my trial ride for my ultimate goal – Lands End to John O’Groats, more famously known as LEJOG.

So, this summer, I am attempting to complete the almost 1,000-mile ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in two weeks and, through your generosity and support, help to raise as much money as possible for my grandchildren’s school.

I am participating in LEJOG through a cycling tour company. They will take my bike to Lands End. I will ride daily together with another 15 riders on their bikes, and the support vehicles will carry our baggage.

We stay in small hotel-type accommodation each night and then hopefully after 13 days we get to John O’Groats. The cycling tour company then take my bike back home and I fly back from Inverness to Manchester. I would just like to re-emphasis that all of the money raised via this page (and offline donations) will be donated in full to the FOHM. I am covering all of my expenses relating to the entry to the event, accommodation and expenses.

Thank you so much for your support, encouragement and donations.

If you’re connected to me on Facebook, you can follow me for regular updates on my preparations and of course the ride itself. FOHM will also be posting regular updates on their Facebook and Twitter Pages.