Gareth and his support team just before setting off on Friday morning

Following my chat a few weeks ago with Pilgrims Hatch Scout Leader Gareth Sell about his epic challenge of cycling the nearly 1,000 mile route from John O’Groats to Land’s End I caught up again with him this morning some 29 hours after he set off from a foggy northern coastline of Scotland in the early hours of yesterday.

Gareth had already ridden some 300 miles when we spoke, reaching the southern tip of Loch Lomond, but sadly a suspected back injury meant it was looking unlikely that he’ll complete the route to Cornwall on this attempt. Nonetheless, and despite the disappointment which showed in his voice, I assured Gareth that he’d already achieved a phenomenal feat, and if you’d like to show your support by making a donation to UNICEF there are links to do this on his website.

Gareth’s determination and spirit of adventure are truly exceptional, and I look forward to welcoming him to the Phoenix studios again soon to hear his reflections on this venture as well as to find out about his next big challenge!