Colchester conqueror completes virtual cycling challenge in aid of Farleigh Hospice

Bradley undertook one of our new Conqueror Virtual Challenges, cycling a total of 1,744 kilometres in just 42 days - raising a total of £2,400 in aid of Farleigh Hospice.

Bradley chose to support Farleigh because the mother of a good friend of the family was cared for by the hospice following her terminal cancer diagnosis. Bradley reached out to his friend to ask if he could raise money for her mum or a charity close to her. It was then that he learned about the care and support that Farleigh Hospice were providing for the family. His friend asked if the money raised could be donated to the hospice to help them continue to their great work.

The LEJOG virtual challenge covers the length of the UK. Participants can opt to run, walk, cycle or swim the distance. Bradley chose to cycle, using a static bike in his living room to complete his challenge. To fit his bike rides in around working from home full time, he cycled for two hours a day before and after work, covering a daily distance of 50k. He was cheered on every day by his fundraising mascot, his dog Buzz.

Bradley surpassed all of his expectations in completing the challenge. He beat his initial fundraising target of £1,500, raising an additional £900. He also finished the challenge in five weeks and five days, two days ahead of his six-week timeframe.

Commenting on his achievement Bradley said: “It’s been great to be able to raise the money for a good cause, especially one that that means something to me and my partner on a personal level. I’m thrilled that I not only achieved the distance within the timeframe of six weeks that I allowed myself, but also that I exceed my fundraising target. It makes it all worthwhile to know that the money will be put to good use in supporting people with life-limiting illnesses and their families in what is a very difficult time in their lives.”

Not a regular cyclist before the challenge, Bradley had begun to do more cycling last summer. He saw the Conqueror LEJOG challenge on Instagram and decided it would be a good way to push himself and get back into cycling regularly. Since completing the virtual cycle Bradley has kept up his cycling and has even purchased a better bike for road cycling, he says he’s well on his way to becoming a keen cyclist!

Bradley has ambitions to potentially take on another virtual challenge in the future. He says: “They are very clever in the way they work, they give you a great way of tracking how well you are doing and allow you to see your route on a map at every stage. This insight gives you more of an incentive to keep going and provides a visual to share with your supporters so that they can see your progress. Conqueror also create a sense of community and comradery by connecting you with others doing the same challenge.

“I’d say if you’re considering a Conqueror challenge – definitely do it. It’s well organised and the app makes it really engaging. I’d recommend that you are realistic in planning how long it will take you, make sure you give yourself adequate time to complete it. I’d also suggest maybe doing it with a friend to add an additional competitive edge to the challenge. If the weather is nice and you are running, walking or cycling try to get outside and cover some of your distance out in the fresh air. It mixes it up a little bit. Lastly enjoy it – the maps and the tracker in the app make it good fun!”

Farleigh Hospice Fundraising Manager, Debbie de Boltz said: “Bradley is our first Conqueror virtual challenger and we’d like to say a big thank to him for his amazing fundraising efforts! He did a fantastic job not only in completing the challenge early, but also in exceeding his fundraising target by such a large amount. Every penny Bradley raised will go towards supporting people affected by life-limiting illness or bereavement free of charge within the mid Essex community.”

About Conqueror virtual challenges

The virtual challenges from Conqueror Events make it possible to achieve something extraordinary without straying too far from home. They are completely pandemic-proof as they can be completed from your own home, as part of your daily exercise and fit around you and your lifestyle. Conquer famous routes such as Lands’ End to John o Groats, the Inca Trail, Everest or the English Channel, and receive a medal when you reach your goal!

If you would like to undertake your own virtual challenge visit https://www.farleighhospice.org/events/conqueror-virtual-challenges to find out more