- Man’s First Visit to Scotland is 1,000 Mile Charity Ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats
- James Beeson is cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for children and young people’s national bereavement charity Winston’s Wish
Personal trainer James Beeson, 41, has decided to take on the mammoth challenge of cycling nearly 1,000 miles across nine days from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland to raise funds for a special cause.
As well as taking part in an incredible challenge that will see James cycle roughly 110 miles each day as he completes the huge 9-day cycle, the occasion will also mark James’ first visit to Scotland! He says, “I’ve never been to Scotland before so I’m excited for that and I’m looking forward to seeing different parts of the countryside. Cycling is a completely different experience and I know the views will make all the uphill worth it. The event is really well organised with a proper route and overnights in key location complete with hot food and conveniences.
With a fundraising target that has already raised thousands of pounds for Winston’s Wish, the UK’s first children and young people’s charity as well as regional charity Simon Says, James is keen to raise awareness and funds for a cause that is close to his heart.
James explains, “I had just turned seven when I lost my dad in a car accident on the way home from his works Christmas party. Just five years later just as I started secondary school, I also lost my mum to cancer. I know from personal experience just how difficult it is to cope with grief, as a young child and especially as you get older.
“I was one of the fortunate ones in that my aunt and uncle took me in but there was no professional support easily available to kids in my situation.
“When I was younger, I was just quiet but as I grew older, I found myself getting more and more angry and found myself in lots of tough circumstances. How do you learn to become an adult when you’ve lost two parents?”
James is very much looking forward to travelling to new parts of the country. He says that cycling is, “Also really crucial for headspace too. Running a business and having a family means life is always busy and dealing with your own head can be tough. I’m at peace on my bike, it’s my time to wind down and switch off and allow myself to have that headspace.”
James initially decided to undertake the Ride Across Britain challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats when a friend asked for his support to train. He says, “I thought that if I’m going to take part in the cycle then I wanted to do it for a charity that was making such a difference.
“Simon Says is a local charity and Winston’s Wish supports grieving kids all over the UK and they continue to support bereaved young people right to the age of 25 which I think is a really critical stage, especially when you’ve suffered bereavement. You’re trying to navigate lots of circumstances. You are expected to be an adult and grow up, but you start questioning everything and struggle to fit into a normal world.”
Estimates suggest that each day more than 100 young people are bereaved of a parent and that figure doesn’t equate how many are having to navigate the death of a friend, sibling, teacher or another significant person in their lives.
Established in 1992, Winston’s Wish has been reaching and supporting bereaved young people and the adults around them when their worlds are turned upside down for more than 30 years. The charity provides support via online content, the Grief in Common Podcast series, as well as on-demand services such as live chat on the website, freephone and ask inbox as well as one-to-one sessions by referral.
James adds, “I am pleased to be raising funds to help support a charity that directs gives advice and support to grieving children and young people.
“I know just how important it is to get help. I still often struggle especially on memorable days or events but have much better systems in place due to years of working on myself with help from loved ones and many different experienced professionals over the years.
“I want to help children who are in a similar situation to me and give them a better chance of coming out it stronger.”
If you are interested in finding out more about James and his incredible journey or to support him in his venture, then please view his Just Giving page which includes updates on his progress.
Winston’s Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.