Two Plymouth pals have reached the half-way point on an epic motorcycle ride to raise cash for the city’s beloved St Luke’s Hospice.
Sean Holland and Ben Goodman have made it to John O’Groats, in Scotland, raising funds for the Turnchapel charity which cared for Sean’s brother before his tragic death at the age of just 52.
The friends are tackling the entire 3,200-miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats – and back – on small 125cc motorcycles.
They are aiming to raise £5,000 and are inviting businesses to sponsor their challenge, entitled Small Bikes, Big Hearts.
They set off on May 1 and reached John O’Groats 13 days later. They must now turn south and make the long journey back to Cornwall via the Eastern side of the United Kingdom.
The pair said the choice of a small 125cc motorcycle was deliberate. It has no great reserve of power, no effortless motorway pace, and no pretence of touring luxury.
Sean Holland (R) and Ben Goodman, from Plymouth, at John O’Groats. They are riding motorcycles from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back to raise cash for the the St Luke’s Hospice (Image: Submitted)
All of that is the point. This is a ride about limits, persistence, friendship, and purpose, Sean and Ben stressed.
Ben said: “Getting to John O’Groats feels good, but it is only half the job as we still have to get home.
“These little bikes have been brilliant, but as an older rider the hours take their toll. Our purpose is to raise awareness for hospices and do something ordinary people could understand.”
The route north has taken them through Cornwall, Devon, Wales, the North West, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, central Scotland, the Highlands, and finally the far north of Scotland.
Along the way they have met café owners, hotel staff, bikers, walkers, locals, tourists, and supporters who have encouraged the ride and contributed to the fundraising.
The cause behind the journey is St Luke’s Hospice, which provides specialist care, support, and dignity for people at the end of life, as well as support for families.
The small 125cc bikes used by Sean Holland and Ben Goodman in their epic ride, pictured at John O’Groats(Image: Submitted)
Hospices are often loved most by those who have needed them, but they rely heavily on charitable donations to continue their work. They have reached £3000 of the £5000 target already.
Sean’s family has direct experience of the value of hospice care, and that personal connection sits at the heart of the ride.
He said: “The journey is not only about covering distance. It is about drawing attention to a service that many families only fully understand when life has already become difficult.”
Sunset at John O’Groats. Sean Holland and Ben Goodman, from Plymouth, are riding 125cc motorcycles the length of the country to raise cash for St Luke’s Hospice(Image: Submitted)
Ben and Sean have been documenting the ride through social media, photographs, short reflections, and roadside updates.
They plan to produce a book documenting the ride, using the content they already have, to support St Luke’s further as all proceeds will go to the charity.
Anyone can donate via the ride’s JustGiving page
www.justgiving.com/page/benandseansexcellentadventures-3
Ben and Sean are due to arrive back in Cornwall on May 25 at about 4pm.
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