Harrogate Cyclist Gears Up To Pedal 288 Miles In 24 Hours

Simon Gregory from Harrogate is preparing to embark on an epic cycling challenge this weekend to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his aunt.

Simon Gregory, who is the managing partner of recruitment firm GPS Return, is attempting to cycle 288 miles in just 24 hours to raise £10,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Simon’s aunt, Reverend Ruth Scott, died from a rare form of Lymphoma in February 2019.

She was a presenter on the BBC Radio 2 show Pause for Thought, along with Terry Wogan and Chris Evans for 25 years, and was one of the first female Vicars. She was also a midwife, circus clown and worked in conflict management in the Middle East and Northern Ireland.

Simon took up cycling at the time his aunt died and said it helped with his mental health and provided him with the time and space to deal with her passing.

He was inspired by his aunt’s charitable nature and her similar physical challenges; she once cycled from Rome to Jerusalem with little training.

His journey is mapped out from Harrogate to Southampton on June 18 starting at the MacMillan Centre in Harrogate and ending at the University Hospital Southampton where his aunt was treated. Besides his brother Daniel and a friend, who plan to meet him at regular checkpoints, he will make the journey on his own.

Simon will have to cycle an average of almost 12.5 miles an hour, including any stops, for 24 hours to hit his target.

Simon said:
“My Auntie Ruth was an inspirational figure and gave love, light and hope to millions of people through both Pause for Thought and her many charitable endeavors. I wanted to commemorate her life as well as raising money for Macmillan which supported my aunt and her husband throughout her treatment and with end of life care.

“The money raised will go towards specialist care nurses, and support for others whose loved ones have cancer. Macmillan's funding has been cut drastically over the course of the pandemic, receiving £10 million less over the past year than in previous years."

To donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ruthscott24