A fundraising challenge spanning the length of Great Britain has seen Jon cycle an incredible 1,044 miles in just nine days, raising more than £4,500 for City Hospice along the way.
Jon Folkes, Senior Contracts Manager at Carter Lauren Construction, set off from Lands End on Friday 31 July, embarking on an epic journey to John O’Groats. Over nine days, he pushed himself to his physical and mental limits, battling extreme heat, strong winds, rain, steep climbs and the inevitable aches and exhaustion that came with cycling more than 100 miles a day.
The challenge was inspired by Jon’s passion for supporting City Hospice. Since 2019, he has worked alongside colleagues at Carter Lauren Construction to support the charity’s vital services by organising events and raising money.
For Jon, the ride was about pushing himself while raising awareness and vital funds for a cause he has supported for many years.
Jon told us, “I wanted to take on something that would really push me both physically and mentally,” Jon explained. “I hoped that by taking on such a demanding ride, I could raise awareness of why I was doing it and encourage as many people as possible to support City Hospice through sponsorship.”
The first few days proved to be some of the toughest. With soaring temperatures and significant elevation, Jon admits he questioned whether he would be able to complete the challenge. He quickly realised he needed to adapt his approach, starting much earlier each morning to cover as many miles as possible before the heat of the day, while focusing heavily on sleep, hydration and nutrition.
Despite the physical exhaustion, the changing scenery and wildlife throughout the journey became a highlight, offering a distraction from the miles ahead. The support from family, friends and those following his fundraising also played a huge part in keeping him motivated.
Jon added, “Waking up with exhausted legs and numerous aches and pains made it incredibly difficult to get back on the bike. During those moments, reminding myself why I was taking on the challenge and thinking about the money I was raising gave me the determination to keep going.”
Reflecting on the achievement, Jon said he was extremely proud to have completed the challenge, with the welcome at John O’Groats and the money raised for City Hospice making every difficult moment worthwhile.
While this remarkable achievement marks the end of one adventure, another is already on the horizon.
This September, Carter Lauren Construction will lead an exciting new fundraising challenge for City Hospice as 43 riders take on a four-day cycle from City Hospice in Cardiff to Paris.
The ambitious challenge aims to raise the largest amount the group has ever achieved in support of City Hospice, continuing Carter Lauren Construction’s incredible commitment to the charity and the patients and families it supports.
