By Harry Mottram: After being given the all clear by the medics for my injuries yesterday following my accident in May I can finally undertake the cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. I go to Cornwall on Thursday 8 August, 2024, by train, and set off the following day – hoping to complete it in about two weeks.

On May 4, while cycling near Gloucester I was hit from behind by a car travelling at full speed – it didn’t brake – in fact its brakes failed an MOT two weeks later – there is an ongoing legal case. I was knocked out and had multiple fractures – but they have all now healed having had final xrays at Musgrove Park Hospital. Just the odd scar or two as a souvenir. The NHS did an amazing job – so all praise to the staff in Gloucester, Axbridge, Bridgwater and Taunton. And a big shout out to my family who rallied round.

I am doing the ride as I’m not getting any younger and it was in response to my friend Neil who has done it twice – so I thought why not? See a lot of the countryside write a few articles about it – and most importantly lose weight! I have also have made it a fund raiser for charity as however exhausted I feel it is an incentive to finish it.

So please back my charity appeal – in Bath it is for Bath Mentoring Plus – a charity that helps troubled young people as well as Bath Food Bank.

For Bath is its https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/harry-mottram-Bath?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20240505_

In Axbridge it is for Cheddar Food Bank and Axbridge Blackberry Carnival – this year on September 21st:  https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/harry-mottram

I will be mainly camping and only spending what I would in an average week and I am sponsoring myself as well. My sisters have clubbed together to buy me a new bike as the last one was rather crushed. I ride an old-style bicycle – and so will be taking it steady as the old knees are not what they were. The route will be a mix of cycle ways, back roads and some main roads.

I hope to put updates on social media as I go along and to write up a full account afterwards.

Axbridge News is edited by Harry Mottram and is published for the interest of himself and fellow residents.

Harry is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc

Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
Website:www.harrymottram.co.uk