DEALER'S CHARITY CYCLE FROM LAND'S END TO JOHN O'GROATS

PICTURED ABOVE: Philip and Edward Halse

Philip Halse,​ of dealership Halse South West based in Ottery St Mary, and his son Edward have recently completed a Land's End to John O'Groats cycle ride, raising money for charity Ripple Effect, who are dedicated to facilitating change in rural Africa.

Philip and Edward's journey saw them travel at an average speed of 15mph for 10 hours a day, covering a daily average of 145 miles. To aid them with this remarkable feat they had the support of Philip's wife, Jane who accompanied them along the route, ensuring they were well-fuelled with four times the recommended daily food intake at strategic stops.

Philip explains, "Ripple Effect (previously known as Send A Cow) was started in the mid 80s by South West Farmers answering a call form the Archbishop of Uganda pleading for livestock to feed war torn families in his country. As a family and business we have supported them for many years. In 2018 I cycled across the Alps raising £31,000 but at Ripple Effect’s carol service last Christmas, I felt challenged to do more."

As part of their fundraising, Philip and Edward were assisted by more than 30 machinery manufacturers, all of whom gave them an item of machinery for them to sell - allowing them to donate the full sale value to the charity. "Remarkably," says Philip, "machines to the value of £187,000 have been donated and alongside this, customers and friends have been donating to our Just Giving page, with the running total approaching £195,000. We are humbled and incredibly grateful."

Phillip says he and Edward each cycled 1017 miles in the week, starting from a rather windy Land's End during Storm Antoni. "Five hardy customers still came to wave us off," said Philip. "We took a scenic route rather than the quickest route and were rewarded my many, many miles of country roads, wonderful views but rather more hills and mountains than we might otherwise have encountered, including two of Scotland's three ski resorts!

"We were delighted to get to John O'Groats at 5.30pm on Day 7 and were pleased to see some familiar faces who had travelled north to greet us."

You can still donate to Halse South West's amazing cause, by visiting their Just Giving page.