Three friends cycle across country with old map to raise money for asylum seeker bike charity
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Three friends from the University of Sheffield have embarked on a cycling expedition spanning the entire length of Great Britain, from Land's End to John O Groats, to raise funds for two charities supporting asylum seekers and refugees. The journey was sparked by a well-worn family map that had outlined the route for years but remained unfinished, and they are fundraising for The Bike Project, which refurbishes bicycles for vulnerable migrants, alongside the charity Roundabout.
Since departing on July 6, the trio have encountered genuine challenges including a catastrophic bike failure that left them stranded in remote areas, yet received assistance from sympathetic locals who helped them reach a repair shop willing to accommodate them. Relying only on tents and bivvy bags for shelter, they are navigating more formidable terrain than their preparatory cycling around Sheffield had suggested, whilst enduring an exceptional summer heatwave. The students have raised £730 towards their £2,000 target so far.
- Three Sheffield University students are cycling from Land's End to John O Groats to raise funds for asylum seeker charities The Bike Project and Roundabout
- Inspired by a family hand-me-down map with the route pre-marked, the journey began July 6; they've already faced obstacles including bike breakdowns but received community support
- The group has raised £730 of their £2,000 target whilst camping outdoors and tackling terrain more demanding than their Sheffield training prepared them for
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The Bike Project is a UK charity that refurbishes bicycles for vulnerable people including asylum seekers and refugees. Roundabout is another charity supporting refugees. Both organisations work with people who have arrived in the UK seeking safety.
Three University of Sheffield students are cycling the entire length of Great Britain, from Land's End to John o' Groats, to raise money for these charities. Their journey was inspired by an old family map that outlined this route years ago. They set off in July and are travelling with minimal equipment, camping throughout their expedition.
Asylum seekers and refugees often face significant barriers when arriving in new countries, including difficulty accessing transport and employment. Charities like The Bike Project help address these challenges by providing bicycles, which enable people to reach jobs, education and essential services. The students are raising funds to support this work.