‘Feel Good’ Fundraising - Pedal Pushers

Our ‘Feel Good Fundraising’ series sees Bamboo’s digital marketing apprentice, Georgie, follow up on the stories of inspirational volunteer fundraisers to ask them the questions no one’s thought to ask.

Georgie, it’s over to you.

During my weekly Google search, I came across a story about Jon Hazan. The keen cyclist took on the mammoth 980-mile Ride Across Britain Challenge to raise funds and awareness for Blind Veterans UK, a charity that’s close to his heart due to the support they’ve given his father, Ray.

As a keen cyclist myself, I reached out to Jon to find out more.

The challenge took you from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Were there any particular places or moments that stood out?

There were lots of memorable landmarks. But the standout one was St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall.

In terms of a standout moment, it would have to be crossing the Severn Road and Forth Road bridges.

Knowing that you were leaving one part of Britain and entering another was a great morale boost and felt like a real achievement.

Was the British weather kind to you?

It held for most of the time we were in England, but true to form, the moment we crossed into Scotland it turned. Memories of strong headwinds and lashing rain in the Glenn Shee Valley will stay with me forever!

On the upside, the landscape got more beautiful the further North we went. Each day I would finish up thinking the views would be hard to beat, but each day they would be bettered. The Scottish landscapes were every bit as beautiful as I’d imagined.

What kept you going?

The cause. I did it to raise money for a charity that’s supported and cared for my father for most of his life. There was no greater reason to take part or stay motivated.

I was also spurred on by my support team, consisting of my wife, mother, parents-in-law, and a family friend.

They made the herculean effort to be at each of our lunch stops and finish lines every day, clocking up 2,000 miles in the process.

Add to this the occasional visit from friends living in the areas we passed through and it was a wonderful experience.

You completed the challenge with a friend. Did 77 hours of arduous pedalling put a strain on your relationship?

No. We’ve known each other for a long time and have a good understanding of each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and moods.

The training rides also helped us understand what each other needed along the way, whether it be conversation or silent resolve!

What was the hardest part of the challenge?

My morale was lowest during the opening days of the challenge when I was adjusting to the task mentally and physically.

But the final day (for obvious reasons) was the most enjoyable.

980 miles is a long old bike ride. How did you keep your energy levels up?

The organisers laid on a full breakfast every morning (it’ll be a while before I can stomach beans on toast again) and left snacks, energy bars, and drinks at various checkpoints along the way. We also had a generous stash of Jelly Babies.

How did you celebrate?

As any good Englishman would; with a pint and a meal. I will remember that dinner for as long as I live. Surrounded by family, drinking a well-deserved pint, and eating a delicious meal while looking out over breathtaking views of John O’Groats harbour.

Looking for a community fundraiser to inspire volunteers like Tom? Contact us at info@amboofundraising.co.uk to find out how we can help.