Hughes cyclists to tackle 450 miles in five days

The ride is the brainchild of serial fund raiser Nigel Jeavons.

A group of seven cyclists from East Anglia with an average age of just over 50 (blame 36 year old Jack for that!) are taking to the saddle this summer and riding around 450 miles in just five days to raise money for The Benjamin Foundation to help vulnerable young people. The foundation accommodates 180 young people, equating to over 50,000 safe nights’ sleep a year.

The ride is the brainchild of serial fund raiser Nigel Jeavons, a senior sales person with Hughes Electrical in Hunstanton, who has once again persuaded his colleagues to help with his third fund raising charity event.

"I originally considered cycling from John O Groats to Land’s End but soon realised it would be too time consuming," said Nigel Jeavons. "So, I looked at a route taking in Hughes most northerly, westerly, southerly and easterly branches and concluded it could be done in five days.

"Then it was a case of persuading my colleagues to take up the challenge - we now have seven taking part plus a good friend of mine, Eddie Herbert.

"We will be setting off from Preston, our furthest north west store, on 6 June, making our way to Rayleigh, furthest south, before finishing in Lowestoft, furthest east on 10 June.

The breakdown of this gruelling route is as follows:

Day 1: Preston to Buxton, pretty much uphill all day for 85 miles dipping in and out of the Peak District National Park. The toughest day of the challenge.

Day 2: Buxton to Redditch, 90 miles, starting the day in the Peak District National Park before a more gentle ride through some stunning scenery.

Day 3: Redditch to Luton, Up and down all day covering 95 miles including the Chilterns

Day 4: Luton to Rayleigh, through the home counties rolling countryside for 95 miles

Day 5: 85 miles from Rayleigh to the finish at Lowestoft where Hughes began over 100 years ago.

Notes: Approximate mileages. The cyclists will be using minor roads to avoid traffic.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at: https://www.justgiving.com/fun...

To discuss how people can help please contact Nigel Jeavons on 01485 532123