The intrepid duo successfully completed their target of cycling 1008 miles in 12 days, from Skelmersdale to Stoneleigh, taking in all seven NFU regional offices and the Cymru office on the way. In the process they have raised over £32,000 for their chosen charities.
The pair enjoyed beautiful weather for all but the last day, with the Challenge becoming harder as they progressed, due to punishing hills and long distances. They even negotiated London traffic on day four. By Bristol, the cyclists were still determined, but the bikes were showing signs of exhaustion –Richard’s gears needed repair, then Peter’s rear wheel buckled due to a broken spoke.
Peter Kendall said: “This has been one of the hardest things either of us has ever done, and we are so happy to have completed our course. Before I stand up and commit to a challenge as hard as this again I am determined to think it through properly! Thank you so much to everyone who has so generously donated to our chosen charities, resulting in a total way beyond our expected target. Thank you also to all those who supported us along the way, including the local farmers and local knowledge which was wonderfully helpful. Also the cyclists who kept us company from the regional offices, preventing me and Richard from coming to blows each day.
“Although it’s been tough, it has been an amazing experience. What a privilege for us to cycle through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, and to witness how well our farmland is cared for right across the UK.”
The pair set off on Monday June 16 from Skelmersdale in the north west of England and made their way clockwise around the country. Stopping off at every NFU regional office and its NFU Cymru office in Builth Wells, the aim of the Farm Cycle Challenge was to raise money for three farming charities in the UK, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, the Addington Fund, the Farming Community Network, as well as for Farm Africa, the charity working to end food poverty in Eastern Africa.
Notes to editors:
Photographs from the Farm Cycle Challenge are available from the NFU press office on 02476 858 686
To donate to the Farm Cycle Challenge log on to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/farmcyclechallenge
Additional comments from the charities:
Farm Africa’s Chief Executive Nigel Harris:
“I want to send huge thanks and congratulations to Peter and Richard for achieving such an incredible feat on behalf of Farm Africa. Cycling 1,000 miles in ten days is a massive challenge and the funds raised will help to transform the lives of farmers in eastern Africa. Thank you to the wider UK farming community, many of whom joined the cycle for a day of the route, and for all those generous individuals who have shown their support for the Farm Cycle Challenge.”
RABI Chief Executive Paul Burrows:
“We would like to offer our congratulations to Peter and Richard on completion of their gruelling challenge. It is a fantastic achievement and show of support to our industry. We thank them for choosing us as one of the charities to benefit from the challenge, helping us to continue supporting those who need us.”
Director of The Addington Fund Ian Bell:
“A marvellous achievement by Peter and Richard to cycle such a distance, so generously supported by our industry. This great effort will help towards providing another home for a farming family who have done nothing wrong, yet circumstance mean they can no longer farm. Investing in a property which will help farming families provides a lasting legacy from 1009 miles in the saddle.”
Chief Executive of the Farming Community Network Charles W Smith:
“What a wonderful achievement by Peter and Richard. Through their selfless efforts they have raised funds to provide help and support for farmers who are facing difficulties and challenges on a daily basis. Well done and thank you.”
Find out more about the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign here.
Contact: NFU, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ. Press Officer: Jane Spence
Telephone: 024 7685 8686 FAX: 024 7685 8651 ISDN: 02476 416289.