Overview:

4 years on from the previous cycle challenge, the boys are at it once again, but this time are seriously upping the ante to 155 miles (250km) on Saturday 5th June 2021.

Back in 2017, Daniel York, Daniel Wanstall and Ashley Robinson raised over £1,000 for Cancer Research by riding 105 miles across London to every football league ground, bypassing some pretty scenic landmarks along the way - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brakesfc

This year, we have decided to do it again, but for the Pilgrims Hospice as this charity means so much to us. Each of us have written a small piece on how we have come to choose the Pilgrims Hospice for our charity of choice. Daniel York and Daniel Wanstall are undertaking their 2nd cycle challenge along with Harrison O'Brien who is making his debut in 2021. 

Harrison O’ Brien’s Story:

In January 2021, my Dad, Paul O’Brien was diagnosed with stage 4 lung and brain cancer. This was a shock to myself and my family and changed our day to day lives dramatically as my Dad required frequent care. Myself, my Mum, my Brother and my Dads good friend Tracey were the main carers and that time The Pilgrims Hospice offered so much support, not only for my dad but for us too, they offered emotional and practical advice, supplied information, taught us techniques and arranged equipment to make my Dad as comfortable as he could have been. Just having them at the end of the phone was such a support, they not only care for the patient but also ensure the family’s wellbeing is also catered for. The Pilgrims nurses are true hero’s and make sure that you do not feel you are on your own, they really do make a huge difference. 

Being entirely honest before my Dad became ill I was not aware of the top quality care Pilgrims truly do provide. They genuinely are a fantastic organisation and I will never forget what they have done for me. 

Because of all the help and support Pilgrims gave to my family in an extremely difficult time, I wanted to try and give something small back by raising some money for them by doing a bike ride around various venues in London on Saturday 5th June.

Daniel York's Story:

Back in 2018, my mother in law - Anne-Marie Wells sadly suffered a relapse of her cancer and which was now spreading throughout her body. Between being cared at home, hospital and at the Pilgrims Hospice, it was the latter where she spent her last couple of months and sadly passed away at 9am on Sunday February 17th, 2019 with Adrian, Hannah (my wife) and myself by her side.

Being by my wife's side, I saw first hand the incredible work the team at the centre in Ashford provided. We spent Christmas and New Years together in the hospice, eating our Christmas dinner in the lounge area which was fairly new at the time adding to the existing lounge down down the other end of the corridor.

As Anne-Marie's health deteriorated, I was able to stay overnight in the centre. I was able to work there on occasions and even had some hot meals there along with hot showers - especially after some long runs as I was training for the Paris Marathon at the time.

Anne-Marie would have been 60 this year on the 1st June and by me undertaking this challenge, it is my small way of thanking them for the care they provided during this sad time. This is why I have chosen to take part in this challenge for the Pilgrims Hospice.

Daniel Wanstall’s Story:

I am raising money for Pilgrims Hospice because this charity is such an inspiring one. So far in life I have been lucky enough to not have needed Pilgirms Hospices’ support first hand. With that said I know friends who have needed and received their support. The care and support this charity gives not only to the patient but the effected family is invaluable. Not only do they give high quality care, in the times of real need they are there and are able to bring moments of joy in what are such difficult times. I know this has meant a lot to my friends.

Given the last year, I think it’s is more important than ever to go out and raise awareness and money for these brilliant causes and this cause is such a fantastic one.

The planned route:-

1) London Stadium (West Ham United) - 0km

2) Victoria Road (Dagenham & Redbridge) - 16km

3) The Valley (Charlton Athletic) - 31km

4) The New Den (Millwall) - 42km

5) Hayes Lane (Bromley) - 73km

6) Selhurst Park (Crystal Palace) - 84km

7) Borough Sports Ground (Sutton) - 98km

8) Plough Lane (AFC Wimbledon) - 106km

9) Brentford Community Stadium (Brentford) - 124km

10) Craven Cottage (Fulham) - 134km

11) Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) - 137km

12) Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium (QPR) - 154km

13) Wembley Stadium - 162km

14) The Hive (Barnet) - 168km

15) Grosvenor Vale (Wealdstone) - 181km

16)  Vicarage Road (Watford) - 197km

17) Meadow Park (Boreham Wood) - 209km

18)  Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham Hotspur) - 230km

19)  Emirates Stadium (Arsenal) - 237km

20) The Breyer Group Stadium (Leyton Orient) - 246km

21) London Stadium (West Ham United) - 250km

Some of the scenic landmarks we're planning on passing include the following:-

Woolwich Foot Tunnel, Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Waterloo Bridge, Old Kent Road, Putney Bridge, Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, Downing Street, The Mall, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park Corner, BBC Elstree Studios.