Olympic Gold Medallist Lord Sebastian Coe joined JCB workers on a sprint to the finish line in a charity fundraising effort to ride around the world in 80 days.
As previously reported by Daily Focus, a 42-strong group began the 42,000-kilometre challenge last month in the hope of raising £100,000 for Hannah’s Hope charity, a cause set up by JCB welding apprentice Hannah Roberts, aged 20, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just months after joining the company.
Hannah wants to raise £200,000 to buy and equip a luxury holiday lodge at Mercia Marina, in Derbyshire, to be offered free of charge to families of teenagers and young adults who are under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The JCB cyclists had aimed to finish their challenge on Hannah’s 21st birthday tomorrow (Tuesday, 30 April), but it came to an end four days early on Friday.
So far, they have raised around £34,000.
Lord Coe said: “This has been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and for such a wonderful cause. It just shows what can be achieved through teamwork.”
Hannah, pictured above with Lord Coe and some of the cycling team, was given just 15 months to live in September 2022 when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Although she has undergone surgery to remove the cancer, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a trait of the condition means it keeps re-growing.
With the support of JCB, her family has already reached a £250,000 fundraising target for treatment in the USA when she needs it.
Hannah and mum Gail Iredale visited the JCB World Headquarters at Rocester on Friday to watch the conclusion of the JCB Around the World in 80 Days cycle challenge.
Gail said: “We are so overwhelmed by what the JCB cyclists have done for Hannah’s Hope and their efforts have given the appeal a tremendous shot in the arm. We really are truly grateful.”
JCB Principal Engineer Aaron Turner, event organiser and a founding member of the JCB Cycling Club, said: “It’s been a tough challenge and we are delighted to have completed it earlier than anticipated and give Hannah an earlier than expected 21st birthday.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, and most importantly, to everyone who has donated money to the appeal. It really will make a big difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer.”
Over the ten-week challenge the cyclists clocked up the miles with individual road rides and group outings, including a route to Mercia Marina, where Hannah’s lodge will be sited. The total was also topped during spinning classes at the JCB World Headquarters each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Anyone wishing to sponsor the JCB cyclists can donate through the JCB Around the World in 80 Days JustGiving page here.
