Although Owain and I are keen cyclists cycling from Lands’ End to John O’Groats was not something Owain ever thought he would do until I suggested it several years ago. The idea took root and after COVID interrupted plans it is happening in June ie next month. The trip is a ‘holiday’ and we are doing it the relatively easy way with Cycle Britain, a tour group and taking 23 days in the hope that we enjoy it and can appreciate the areas we cycle through. So, from Cornwall to Caithness, two places where we have had many enjoyable holidays with family and friends. Most peoples’ reaction to being told about the trip is to ask if we are doing it for charity and we also felt it was an opportunity to raise money for good causes. Hence this Just Giving page. We emphasise that the trip is fully paid for by us and any money donated will go directly to our chosen charities.

As the journey is 1053 miles our target is to raise £1053 for each of our chosen charities.

We have chosen one local charity and one national charity.

Julie has chosen the RNLI, Royal National Lifeboat Institute, https://rnli.org/ who most people will at least have heard of if not seen in action monitoring Britain’s beaches. What people may not know is that whilst they are regarded, and function as an emergency service, they receive no government money so are entirely self-funding. They also monitor inland waterways & rivers as well as our beaches and seas.

In their words too many people are still drowning. More than ever we need the RNLI’s help. As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe.

RNLI lifesavers are our lifeline. They’re the lifeboat crews who provide 24-hour search and rescue right around the UK and Ireland. The lifeguards keeping watch on 240 of the busiest beaches in the UK and Channel Islands. And the RNLI safety teams and educators working tirelessly to stop people getting into trouble in the first place.

Owain has chosen Helping Herts Homeless, https://helpinghertshomeless.org.uk as small charity based in Hitchin who he joined as a volunteer last summer then becoming a trustee and chairman several months later. Homelessness is an issue which should not exist to the extent that it does in our relatively rich country. The charity owns a hostel in Hitchin which is run in partnership with One YMCA to provide accommodation and support services. The charity also raises funds which are distributed to several partner homelessness charities in North Hertfordshire.

Thank you.