Cycling our Hearts out for “Lucy’s Wings of Hope” from John o’Groats to Land’s End. 1738km over 10 days in June 2023...

In November 2021 our beautiful daughter Lucy sadly decided that this world was too much for her and tragically left us at just 17 years old. She was the most incredible, caring, funny, sensitive, talented star, a wonderful big sister and an affectionate granddaughter, her passing has left an unimaginable hole in all our hearts forever. She left to go to college as normal on a Tuesday morning and we never saw her again. We know that Lucy would want us to do all we could to prevent this tragedy happening to other young people and so we begin our journey of change….
Love
Jo, Ben & Katie West

Having cycled for many years with a great group of mates, one of our number has invited me to take part in, what will be for all of us, our most challenging adventure together so far. My good friend Andrew Ridgeley (@andrewjohnridgeley on Instagram, and @ajridgeley on Twitter) of WHAM!, turned 60 this year and to mark the milestone decided to invite his cycling friends to cycle the length of the UK from John o’Groats to Land’s End.
Andrew and I discussed the opportunity this 1738km, 10-day experience of a lifetime presented to us, not only as a chance to bring friends together for a wonderful adventure, but as a golden opportunity to raise awareness and, much needed, funds for PAPYRUS, the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide, whose mission is dedicated to the desperately sad issue of suicide in young people and to providing support to those who believe there are no options for help in their darkest hour.
Ben West

When I decided to mark my 60th by bringing together some of my Mungo’s Bikecycling Besties chums for a once in a lifetime experience, my close friend Ben asked me if he might take up the challenge as an opportunity to raise funds for his chosen charity. It’s a mark of Ben’s character that he didn’t want to impose fundraising on his fellow ‘travellers’, but it struck us as clear as day that our great adventure was as singularly appropriate a context as any in which to illustrate just how wonderful living life can be.
I have been especially fortunate in life, but nothing illustrates that good fortune more than the friends I have been able to make over the course of my 60 years. Their loyalty, affection and generosity of spirit is a joyous thing and those qualities act as a bulwark to bleaker moments. It is the knowledge of that support that is one of the strands of the lifeline that PAPYRUS endeavours to extend to young people struggling with life as they experience it. Through this wonderful adventure, that which is essentially a celebration of living life, I hope we can show how fabulous life can be in all it’s ups and downs and, in particular, the inestimable value of life’s experiences shared.
Andrew Ridgeley


In the UK alone suicide is the single biggest killer of young people under the age of 35. In 2018, over 1800 young people took their own lives and that figure since the pandemic is on the rise. On average five young people take their lives each day and research shows that with the appropriate early intervention and support, suicide in young people can be prevented. PAPYRUS provides this essential confidential support and advice to young people struggling, and anyone who is concerned about a young person through their safe space helpline.
We honestly believe that if every young person who is struggling with their mental health and thoughts of suicide was more aware of the amazing help that is out there, then some of these unnecessary young deaths could be prevented.
We will be sincerely grateful for any donation you may be able to give to this truly worthwhile cause. With your support we hope we might be able to let life’s brilliant light shine in a young person’s darkness.

Fundraising Cycle Team: Ben West, Andrew Ridgeley, David Ridler, Roger Fogg, Chris Weeks, Grant Witheat, Simon Byne, Richard Jameson, Andrew Leighton, Tony Iannaccone, Terence Harrison, David Marshall

Strava Team Club Page: https://www.strava.com/clubs/MBBJOGLErs-fundraising-birthdaybeano
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