Six friends from the Harrogate area have raised more than £40,000 for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity after cycling 470 miles from London to Bordeaux.
The group, all in their 60s, completed the journey over six days from 25 to 30 August. Simon Grafton led the team of Tim North, Paddy Kidd, Phil Webb, Rob George and David Rowley.
They took on the challenge after a friend’s wife was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The group wanted to raise money for a cause close to them while supporting people across Yorkshire affected by the condition.
Their route included a ferry crossing, but the days on the road were far from straightforward.
Between them, the cyclists dealt with 11 punctures, a day of strong headwinds and another of torrential rain.
The final stretch was particularly demanding, with the friends cycling more than 90 miles on each of their last two days before arriving in Bordeaux.
Three of their wives followed the group in a support vehicle throughout the journey, carrying drinks and snacks and cheering them on as they made their way through France.
The team’s fundraising page has now passed £40,000. Despite the demands of the ride, the friends are already discussing the possibility of another challenge in 2027.
Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity supports people diagnosed with brain tumours and their loved ones. It also funds clinical research in Yorkshire aimed at improving treatments.
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