Man cycling from John o'Groats to Land's End for charity

Ian Bryant, 42, from Andover, is on a personal mission to complete a 1,050 mile cycle to raise money for Friends of PICU, a registered charity that supports children and their families in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in Southampton Children’s Hospital at the University Hospital Southampton.

"My little boy was unwell, and ended up in the Intensive Care Unit at Southampton hospital in 2019," Ian told the Advertiser. "Luckily, he came out of it, and I vowed then to raise as much money as I can, but due to Covid and raising the little one I hadn't been able to, but now felt like the right time."

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Ian Bryant cycling from John o'Groats to Land's End (Image: Ian Bryant)

In 2019 Ian's son Eddison fell ill and developed bronchiolitis. He was admitted to the intensive care unit in Southampton hospital for five days over Christmas.

Ian said: "The care he received whilst there was incredible. We were a lucky family because, without the treatment he received, he would not have made it through."

Ian began his challenge on Saturday, April 27, riding solo and equipped with a bag full of kit, he is making good progress.

Speaking to the Advertiser on Saturday, May 4, Ian said: "The challenge is going really well, going up hill is proper heavy but I'm getting on with it. So far I've raised £3,000 which is really good. When I started, my target was £2,000, so to get above £3,000 is great, it's going very well."

Ian said he has received a lot of "good will messages" and that he is "grateful" for them.

He also explained how the journey has felt somewhat lonely: "I'm riding on my own and I've got no music, I've got nothing to listen to because I need to hear the traffic, but I'm okay.

"Last night I couldn't find anywhere to stay so I had to camp on the Moors. I've experienced a bit of drama too, It's been absolutely belting it down and my power pack has run out of power, so I've had to stop in a café and charge it up while I eat my lunch."

Ian checked into local bed and breakfasts most nights, however, he has had to spend some nights wild camping as he has not always been able to find a place to stay.

He explained how he has two sets of cycling gear in his bag, which he is able to wash each night. Local shops and villages have been "very understanding" and allowed him to refill his water bottle when he passes through.

To donate to Ian's Charity Cycle, visit justgiving.com/page/ian-bryant-1704022541976.

Ian also has a Facebook group in which he shares daily updates from his journey, facebook.com/groups/370125329058159.