Brothers cycle 1,000 miles to raise funds for Salvation Army

Hampshire Brothers Peter and David are taking on an epic Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle challenge in order to raise money for The Salvation Army's vital work of supporting refugees, individuals struggling with addiction and survivors of domestic abuse.

On May 13, Peter and David Grant will begin their cycle challenge at Land's End in Cornwall and will spend the next 14 days cycling a distance of about 1,000 miles, passing The Salvation Army’s southern-most church on the UK mainland at Penzance, and its most northern church at Thurso. They aim to reach John O'Groats in the far north of Scotland by the 27 May.

The original plan to complete this challenge in 2022 was postponed owing to Peter injuring his right knee. Three physios and a long rehabilitation period later the adventure is back on.

This will be Peter and David's most challenging cycling event yet. David, who works for One Church Basingstoke helping churches in Basingstoke and Deane Borough work together, will be riding his 40-year-old bike just to add to the challenge.

Peter, who works as the Territorial Property Director for The Salvation Army, said: “We completed a 100 mile mountain bike ride from Winchester to Eastbourne in one day during 2021. But this challenge is beginning to really hit home. To complete the whole route we will be riding 75-100 miles on 14 consecutive days. This is massive and goes beyond anything I have sought to achieve before."

“With the current cost of living pressures it is more important than ever to make a difference. Of all the work The Salvation Army does to help vulnerable people, there are three causes that I’m eager to support and raise awareness for are: our addiction services, the work we do to support refugees, and the help we offer to survivors of domestic abuse to move out to a place of safety, and move on from their trauma.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has or intends to sponsor me. Every donation will make a difference to people in need and also provide further inspiration and motivation to me to complete this challenge."

The Salvation Army is committed to supporting people to live to their fullest potential and has a long history of journeying alongside people living with addiction, survivors of domestic abuse and refugees. Visit Peter and David’s JustGiving page to help raise money to support this vital work.