How One Man’s Determination Inspired a Community and Supported Local Young People

Dan’s recent feat, cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG), was nothing short of extraordinary. Taking on the formidable 1,040-mile journey solo, Dan not only conquered the route in just six days, but also raised a phenomenal £5,260 for John’s Foundation — a charity very close to his heart.

Dan started his pre-ride journey at Ferndown Upper School where he and John were both pupils. The students gave him a fabulous send off as he made his way onto CTCRM Lympstone, where John completed officer training to become a Royal Marine.

Dan at the memorial wall in front of JT’s plaque at CTCRM lympstone

Dan set off from Land’s End to start his LEJOG Cycle Challenge on September 7th and took a special detour on Day One, to Norton Manor Camp near Taunton, the home of John’s unit, 40 Commando Royal Marines.

dan at 40 commando royal marines with jt’s memorial tree

The scale of the LEJOG challenge is enough to daunt even the most seasoned cyclists. Yet, Dan’s resilience and commitment set him apart. His journey was far from smooth; on the very first day, a snapped gear cable threatened to halt his progress. Thankfully, his wife Tina and cycling club friend, Hugh, sprang into action — delivering a spare bike and then, Hugh, repaired Dan’s main bike at 4 am so Tina could reunite him with it in Runcorn at the end of day two.

The British weather put Dan to the test, with relentless wind and torrential rain battering him along the way. Dan wasn’t ever going to give up, his determination saw him push onward, overcoming both physical and mental challenges to reach John O’Groats in record time. His achievement has inspired not just friends and family, but also strangers he encountered en route, who were moved by his extraordinary dedication.

Dan’s challenge was generously supported by local businesses. Custom Creations and Hudsons sponsored his kit and made generous contributions to his JustGiving page, while Sibbett Gregory, ABS Computer Systems, and Francesco Hair Salon, Ferndown, made significant donations to help Dan reach his impressive fundraising total.

A massive thank you goes to Tina for her unwavering support, driving the entire route and investing enormous time and energy into Dan’s success. Their son Jake also played a crucial role, organising a fundraising afternoon tea at Alexandria Court to boost donations even further.

What inspires supporters like Dan to choose John’s Foundation? For Dan, it was a personal connection. Despite being a decade apart, both he and John grew up in Ferndown, attended the same schools, and served as cadets in the Air Training Corps. These shared experiences shaped their careers in uniform and instilled in them strong values. Dan’s LEJOG challenge was his way of honouring this bond and giving back to a cause close to his heart — helping young people seize opportunities and realise their ambitions.

Dan’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have when they are inspired by community, connection, and a commitment to making a difference. His achievement demonstrates how determination and teamwork can turn a personal challenge into meaningful change for others.

Dan’s Land’s End to John O’Groats Cycle Challenge - a journey that changed young lives.