It is a great pleasure to share details of the recent and extraordinary challenge undertaken by OS Harry Keam (RPH,08-13) and his friend, to cycle the length of the British Isles in aid of Dementia UK.

Harry writes:

‘Last Monday evening, 5th June, my friend, David Boyd, and I cycled in to Land’s End after completing the 874 mile journey from John o’ Groats. We are hoping to raise £5,000 for Dementia UK in memory of David’s grandmother who died as a result of Alzheimers’ last year. Both David’s Father (Mark Boyd, GH,RPH, 72-80) and Grandfather (Brian Boyd, RPH,51-55) attended Bishop’s Stortford College, both in RPH like myself. We have currently raised £4,800 so are very close to achieving our target!

The 10-day ride was entirely self-supported – we carried all of our own equipment, setting up camp each night as we travelled through the country. In the end, we cycled just over 1,000 miles, climbed a total elevation of 16,168m (nearly twice the height of Mount Everest) and spent a total of 102 hours and 30 minutes in the saddle.

It was without doubt the hardest thing we have ever done, both mentally and physically, but was equally the most amazing experience and we were truly shocked by the kindness of strangers we met along the way who helped keep us motivated to get to the end.’

If you would like to make a donation, please go to:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/davidandharry1000milejogle

Wishing Harry and David every success in reaching their target for such a personal and worthy cause.