1177 miles in 13 days: Ilkeston man completes his solo bike ride fundraiser

On 24th August, Peter Ennis concluded his cycling journey from Land's End to John O'Groats in Scotland, raising money for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre is a local charity dedicated to providing children from disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to enjoy life through holidays and new experiences. Due to a lack of funding, the charity paused its work for 2025, but with Peter’s initiative, many children will have the opportunity to make new memories in 2026. 

Peter Ennis explained more about his journey, “I rode from Land's End, the bottom of England, up to John O'Groats, the top of Scotland, across the length of Britain. It took me 13 days, which worked out at an average of 90 miles a day. It was a lot tougher than I thought it was going to be. I expected it would be tough. This was just a totally different level.” 

Ennis cycled 1177 miles, climbed 51805 ft uphill in just 13 days. But it was not the easiest journey across the country. “It was probably more like 100 miles a day on average, apart from the last day, which I arranged. So, I had a short day. I had a short last day. I had an accident along the way, which made things even more difficult, but I kept going, never gave up, and yeah, got there at the end. My legs are still suffering now.” 

Peter’s cause is helping children, “I've raised about £2,500 with Gift Aid. It costs £500 to send a child to Skegness for the week for a holiday. These are some of the most disadvantaged children, the most vulnerable children. It could be children who live in care, who don't have that family unit. They can turn to them when things go wrong or when they've got problems. And it could literally change their life.”

Janine Stillwell, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre’s CEO, reflected on Peter’s journey, ”Huge congratulations to Pete on completing his incredible 1,150-mile solo bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising over £2,000 (plus gift aid) for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, and funding vital support to ensure disadvantaged children can return to the seaside in 2026. What an inspiring effort! Well done, Pete!”

As DCHC is aiming to provide holidays in 2026 after this year’s pause, for those wishing to support the charity, donations can be made quickly and securely through Peter’s JustGiving page, with all funds going directly to Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre.

Listen Again

Ilkeston man completes 1177 miles on his bike from Lands End to John o'Groats for charity 

Peter Ennis from Ilkeston spoke to Paul Stacey after completing his 13-day cycle up the length of the country, raising over £2,000 for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre charity. Broadcast on Erewash Sound Breakfast Show, Friday 29th August 2025.