An Ilkeston man is preparing to embark on a mammoth solo fundraising event, cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats on 11th August 2025 in support of the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre in Skegness.
Peter Ennis, an English teacher at Sandiacre Friesland School, has seen, at first hand, how the lack of a safe and secure home life for children has negative effects and said that the consequences can extend far beyond childhood and into adult life.
Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre is a charity that directly addresses this issue - providing holidays at the seaside to vulnerable children, helping to build confidence, make new friends and providing a ray of sunshine in often-bleak lives.
Speaking to Erewash Sound, Peter explained the issues being faced by the centre. He said: "Unfortunately, due to funding issues, DCHC have had to pause holidays for children in 2025. Provided enough funding is secured, support for disadvantaged children will resume in 2026."
In order to help make this happen I am taking on the biggest challenge I could think of...cycling the length of Britain. For a fit young professional athlete this would be a challenge...I will be 55 when I undertake the journey, and prior to twelve months ago hadn't ridden a bike in years! The journey will be solo, planned by myself, with my wife and daughter (and friend) meeting me at the end of each day's ride."
On 17th May 2025, he cycled 107 miles from Derby Arena on Pride Park to the centre in Skegness.
From 11th August, his extreme south to extreme north route will cover a total of 1150 miles, climbing as high as 47,000 ft, a daily average of 3350 feet, and is expected to take 13 days, at an average of 90 miles per day.
Peter has set up a fundraising page to collect and grow a fundraising total. All monies will go directly to the DCHC.
Peter has set up a fundraising page to collect and grow a fundraising total. All monies will go directly to the DCHC.
Please click here to find out more about the Derbyshire Childrens Holiday Centre
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