A Travis Perkins branch manager has raised more than £5,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society after completing a 1,026-mile cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Richard Galloway, branch manager at Travis Perkins Croydon Hampton Road, raised £5,091 through more than 180 donations after completing the challenge over two weeks.
The 60-year-old cycled between 60 and 80 miles a day, despite having taken up cycling only seven years ago and never previously spending more than two consecutive days cycling.
Galloway undertook the challenge in memory of his father-in-law, maternal aunt and his best friend’s father.
He said: “This was an incredible personal, memory ride for me – Alzheimer’s is devastating and I’ve seen first-hand how it affects people.
“It’s heartbreaking, and the reason I took on the challenge: I knew I wanted to do something that could make a difference. Every penny will go towards supporting Alzheimer’s Society and the vital research they do.
“A massive thank you to everyone who donated to the cause – you kept me going and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
1,026-mile challenge
The ride required Galloway to cover up to 80 miles each day for two weeks, with conditions including steep hills, rain and dehydration making the challenge more demanding than anticipated.
“I definitely underestimated how hard it would be. Some days were awful: the hills, the rain, and at times I got very dehydrated and had problems with my calves.
“But it was the experience of a lifetime. We had 80 miles to ride on the last day and it was pouring, the clouds were rolling down the hills on either side of us. But as we approached the end the sun came out, and I felt like my Aunt Ann and my father-in-law Brian were shining this brilliant light on me. I was in tears, it was just incredible.”
Galloway lost almost a stone during the two-week ride and burned up to 5,000 calories a day.
He began the challenge alongside 23 other cyclists he had not previously known. The group has since remained in contact and is planning further rides together.
The funds raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Society, which provides support and funds research into dementia.
Travis Perkins is part of Travis Perkins plc and supplies building materials to the construction industry through a network of more than 500 branches across the UK.
