60-year-old cyclist who smoked 60-a-day up for LEJOGLE challenge of 1900 miles

A cyclist who successfully completed a Land's End to John O'Groats (Lejog) trip last year heads back north next week hoping to achieve a Land's End to John O'Groats with return leg – known as a Lejogle.

Tim Styles cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats unsupported in under five days last year and now wants to upscale the challenge by undertaking the 1900-mile Lejogle ride in just 10 days.

Starting on Thursday (June 15), the 60-year-old will need to cycle over 200 miles-a-day to make his target and admits it will be a serious challenge. He says: "I haven’t always been into fitness and cycling though, up until my mid-thirties I smoked 60-a-day and wouldn’t have dreamt of ever doing something like this.

"I want to show what is possible for people over 60 and for those who have totally changed their lives.”

Tim is using this cycling challenge to raise awareness and funds for Harbour Housing, a Cornish based charity that helps deliver safe homes and life support for people with multiple needs. Like last year, he will be undertaking the ride completely unsupported. This means Tim will be riding solo and will have to carry all his own gear, food and equipment without the safety net of a support vehicle and team following behind.

Instead of staying at hotels or B&Bs during the ride, Tim has chosen to sleep outside in bus shelters and fields in a bivvy bag, in recognition of the realities faced by people sleeping rough in Cornwall and throughout the UK. "I have been a volunteer trustee for Harbour Housing for over 10 years and I will support them until the day I die.

"Harbour provides accommodation and support to people affected by homelessness and works with them to overcome their challenges and transition into independent living. One of the benefits residents get from staying with Harbour is it is not just a roof over their heads but also the tailored support and activities provided as well."

If you wish to help Tim's charity bid the fundraising link is at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lejogle

The cyclist has already achieved 75 per cent of his target and expects to make John O'Groats by Tuesday next week.

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