Salvation Army ‘wheely’ grateful for fundraising feat

The Salvation Army’s work with homeless people received a major boost after an intrepid cyclist clocked up more than 1,000 miles pedalling between Land’s End and John O’Groats.

At the tender age of 90, Peter Langford took on the gruelling trip between the iconic locations for the fourth time. To date, he has raised nearly £40,000 which will be equally split between The Salvation Army and the Access Community Trust, which supports socially isolated individuals and communities in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Peter said he has always been concerned about homelessness and was keen to do something to help.

He added: “Homelessness is an ever-present problem, and The Salvation Army is in a great position to support those who need help. I’ve always had a great admiration for The Salvation Army. My satisfaction is not just doing the ride but also raising the money which I hope will go some way towards helping.”

Peter said memories of his epic four-week challenge will stay with him and hailed the support he received along the way.

He revealed: “People were just so generous. At a bed and breakfast in Perth, the proprietor refused to charge me. Others handed me £20 through their car windows. Another time, I was sat in a café when my bike needed repair and when I came to collect it, I was told that someone in the café had already paid for the work to be done.”

When he reached Edinburgh, Peter met with friends who had been keen to help carry his bags. After they were unable to hire a car, they bought a trolley from The Salvation Army Donation Centre on Portobello Road helped by Kent Hoffman, assistant manager, and Kat Van Midden, centre manager.

Peter said: “It was great to see them and the trolley, courtesy of The Salvation Army, was very helpful. As well as their help, several members of my family joined me at various points along the way to carry things. I think this time was easier than five years ago when I was alone with heavy panniers.”

Peter said: “It was great to see them and the trolley, courtesy of The Salvation Army, was very helpful. As well as their help, several members of my family joined me at various points along the way to carry things. I think this time was easier than five years ago when I was alone with heavy panniers.”

Unsurprisingly, Peter doesn’t plan to take on the epic ride again.

He said: “I plan to go on cycling for as long as I can because it’s really the only way I can get exercise as I can’t walk far. I try and cycle 50 miles a week. When I was training, I was cycling for 100 miles a week and going out whatever the weather but I think I will be more of a fairweather cyclist now.”

Angela Carlucci, The Salvation Army's Community and Events Team Manager, said: “We were all rooting for Peter as he made his epic journey, and would like to thank him sincerely for raising vital funds for our work with homeless people. Whether helping rough sleepers through the coming winter months with hot meals, blankets and hygiene kits, or running drop-in day centres to help people who get the expert help they need, Peter’s generous donation will make a difference to people’s lives.”

You can still donate to Peter. Go to https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford