A once-in-a-lifetime challenge that started with a conversation between mates in the pub in autumn 2019 is set to become reality on 26th June when the seven friends get on their bikes to cycle from Lands’ End to John O’Groats. ‘LEJOG’ will see the seven, who are all members of Wakefield Triathlon Club, aiming to raise £11,500 for Wakefield Hospice which is how much it costs to run the hospice each day. The seven are Scouse Dumont, Adam Foster, Patrick Heptinstall, Chris Harris, Dale Crowther, Karl-Eric Devaux and Graham Ward-Thompson. The team will cycle the 944 miles in just over a week which averages at 105 miles a day. Graham Ward-Thompson said: “We had one of those conversations in the pub in which we made a big plan to do something, like let’s ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, but then come the following morning nobody remembers it, or at least pretends not to! We do it all the time.” “That conversation was in autumn 2019 and although we were all keen the pandemic arrived and we all thought that ride is definitely not going to happen. But what can I say? Triathletes have long memories and the desire to raise money for Wakefield Hospice saw us persevere with the plan and here we are all set to take the biggest cycling challenge the UK has to offer”. “We are hoping to finish on 4th July, at which point we will declare independence from our bikes! Any donations are very much appreciated for such a wonderful cause and to help us to keep going!” Helen Knowles, Director of Income Generation at Wakefield Hospice, said: “We are very grateful to the team and wish them the best of luck in what will be a difficult challenge, but I know they’ll smash it and get through it with their sense of humour and team spirt. I look forward to following their journey.” The team have already raised £5,500 of their £11,500 target. To find out more visit:- Wakefield Triathlon Club is fundraising for Wakefield Hospice (justgiving.com)