Lyndon and Julia – We Will Ride 5,000 Miles

On Saturday 4^th July, Bergh Apton couple Julia Gooch and Lyndon Tunmore, both in their 50s, set off on a 20-week 5,000-mile cycle ride around the coastline of England, Wales and Scotland. Their aim is to raise funds for both the new hospice appeal and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Their initial plan had been to set off in early May, but lockdown restrictions prevented their departure and they imagined the trip would be postponed until 2021. However, in light of the easing of restrictions and the reopening of campsites, they elected to undertake their epic journey. This decision was influenced by their original inspiration for the mammoth ride. Julia Gooch explained:

“Lyndon and I met in 2017 whilst both cycling in a local group. We had taken part in various long-distance cycling sportives, but we wanted to take on a big adventure. Our ideas were encouraged and fuelled by our dear friends Graham Wilson and Lyn Took, a couple in their early 70s who had enjoyed many years of outdoor adventures. They had trekked, hiked, sailed and cycled around various parts of the world, and Graham’s passion for sailing led him to complete a single-handed navigation of Britain. They shared their stories with us, over evenings of wine and photographs, and urged us ‘not to wait’ and to ‘do it now, whilst you still can’.

In 2019 we mourned the loss of them both; Graham with a rare blood cancer, that couldn’t break his spirit, he was still cycling with us a couple of months before his death in Priscilla Bacon Lodge in February, with Lyn at his side. She was already suffering from Pancreatic Cancer, and after treatment, also in Priscilla Bacon Lodge, she spent the last summer of her life at their home, passing away in September.

Now that we have the opportunity to undertake this journey, we hear their advice ringing in our ears. ‘Carpe diem’, seize the day! Never has this been more relevant, as we do not know what challenges are around the corner and feel we owe it to Graham and Lyn to ride around the coastline and raise money to build the new Priscilla Bacon Hospice.”

The 5,000-mile trip will take Julia and Lyndon over 4 months to complete, and all their kit, including their camping equipment, will be in their panniers. A small legacy from Julia’s father has funded their trip, and Julia felt that this was fitting use of his gift as he was a nature lover and artist who was most at home in the wide-open spaces of Britain. They have received many offers of support, including places to pitch their tent from members of the VeloVixen Cycling Chat Group on Facebook.

Hugo Stevenson, our Head of Fundraising and Communications, said:

“We are always grateful for anyone who decides to fundraise to help us build the new 24 bed hospice for Norfolk, but Julia and Lyndon have shown an incredible commitment to our appeal by deciding to ride 5,000 miles to raise money and awareness of our campaign. We hope that they have an incredible adventure and look forward to seeing them return safely in November.”

To sponsor Julia and Lyndon please visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Wewillride5000miles