Farmers complete Lands End to John O’Groats cycle challenge
Mark Parker, Toby Adlington, Briony Gunson (part of the support team), Lily and Rod Adlington, and Guy Minshull © Briony Gunson A group of intrepid cyclists have completed a gruelling 1,000 mile-plus bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Led by Midlands farmers Rod Adlington and Guy Minshull, the charity bike ride was in memory of Rod’s young son Barney, who died from meningitis in 2005 aged just three.
The two were joined by fellow farmer Mark Parker from Oxfordshire, ex-England water polo Simon Pemberton, and Rod’s son and daughter Toby and Lily, raising about £17,000 for two charities, Get A-Head and Meningitis Now.
See also: Midlands farmers row the Atlantic and raise over £132,000
The 10-day bike ride took in the rugged Cornish coast, Bodmin Moor, the Mendip Hills, and the Wye Valley, before heading north to the Lake District and the Scottish Borders, then pushing on into the Highlands for a final run to John O’Groats on Tuesday 25 May.
“It was a lot tougher than we had anticipated, but we are all elated to have done it,” said Rod.
The high point for Rod was the scenery. “You get some days when the wind is behind you, the sun is shining and you think this is the best place in the world,” he said.
The low point was when one of the team, Simon, had a significant crash on day eight of the challenge, breaking some ribs and having to be taken to hospital.
“It does bring it home to you how danger can spring from nowhere, said Rod. “Mercifully, he is going to make a full recovery.”
Donations
In total, the team has raised about £17,000, including £12,000 of corporate donations.
The team was sponsored by Bromwich Hardy, Nick Davis Farming, EHB Residential, Howkins & Harrison estate agents, The Wigley Group, Adlington Ltd and Barwood Land.
Meningitis Now chief executive Tom Nutt said: “Rod’s energy and generosity continue to inspire everyone connected with Meningitis Now.
“We are deeply grateful to the whole team for their dedication and support.”
In 2024, Rod and Guy rowed across the Atlantic Ocean, raising more than £150,000 for same two charities.
Rod says his next jaunt will be to row across the Indian Ocean in 18 months’ time.
If you would like to show your support, it is still possible to make a donation at the team’s LeJog2026 web page.
