On the 26th of April, cyclists from JCB completed a charity fundraising effort to ride around the world in 80 days.
The 42 riders began the 42,000km challenge in March to raise money for Hannah’s Hope, a charity set up by JCB apprentice Hannah Roberts, 20, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just months after joining the company.
Riders clocked up the miles with individual road rides and group outings, including a route to Mercia Marina. This was then topped up during spinning classes at the JCB headquarters every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
They initially aimed to finish the ride on April 30th, Hannah’s 21st birthday, but completed the challenge four days early – covering 500km on the last day.
So far, the team has raised around £34,000 for the charity.
Joining them for the final sprint was 1,500m Olympic Gold Medallist Lord Coe. He said: “This has been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and for such a wonderful cause. It just shows what can be achieved through teamwork.”
Hannah was given just 15 months to live in September 2022 when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Although she has undergone surgery to remove the cancer, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a trait of the condition means it keeps re-growing. With the support of JCB, her family has already reached a £250,000 fundraising target for treatment in the USA when she needs it.
Now, Hannah is aiming to raise £200,000 to buy and equip a luxury holiday lodge just five minutes from her home at Mercia Marina, in Willington, Derbyshire. The lodge will be offered free of charge to families of teenagers and young adults who are under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust to spend valuable time together.
Hannah and her mum Gail Iredale were at the JCB headquarters to watch the conclusion of the cycling challenge. Gail said: “We are so overwhelmed by what the JCB cyclists have done for Hannah’s Hope and their efforts have given the appeal a tremendous shot in the arm. We really are truly grateful.”
JCB Principal Engineer Aaron Turner, event organiser and a founding member of the JCB Cycling Club, said: “It’s been a tough challenge and we are delighted to have completed it earlier than anticipated and give Hannah an earlier than expected 21st birthday. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, and most importantly, to everyone who has donated money to the appeal. It really will make a big difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer.”
You can still donate to the challenge by going to the JustGiving page.