John Hewitt, Chairman of Wellingborough-based company, the Glazerite UK Group Ltd, is just weeks away from a 1,000 mile cycle ride in memory of his late daughter Kelly.
John will be joined by 11 friends and family members as they set off from John O’Groats in Scotland on 16th August and make the arduous journey down to Land’s End in Cornwall. The challenge, nicknamed Kelly’s Heroes, is being undertaken in order to raise money for the charity We Mind & Kelly Matters, which John set up to honour his 24-year-old daughter following her passing in 2018.
John says: “Kelly had fought a battle with anxiety and depression in the months leading up to her death. After she took her own life, we wanted to do all we could in her memory to raise awareness of mental health and support other charities like MIND.
“Now more than ever, people across the UK are struggling with their mental health because of the impact of the pandemic. We hope that our bike ride can raise lots of money and awareness of the battles people face on a daily basis, as well as illustrate the help and guidance on offer to help support those who are struggling.”
John and the rest of the team have been training for the challenge since last autumn, with a mix of indoor and road cycling. Much of the team’s training this year coincided with the UK-wide ‘lockdown’, which meant finding new ways to train together virtually using indoor cycling equipment and catching up over What’s App for cycling sessions. In the process, John has lost nearly three stone.
Kelly Hewitt
John adds: “We know it’s going to be a tough two weeks but nowhere near as tough as it is for those who face battles with mental health. We want to play a part in raising awareness and funds with the challenge so that we can make a real difference to someone’s life.”
The team leaves John O’Groats on 16th August 2020 and aims to reach the Cornish landmark within 13 days. To sponsor Kelly’s Heroes, visit: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Kellys-Heroes
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