Jonny Weber, a cyclist from Poole, has raised more than £6,500 for two charities from cycling on the longest day of the year.
On Saturday 20 June, from sunrise to sunset, Jonny rode 223.6 miles around Poole Harbour – more than the equivalent of cycling from Poole town centre to the Peak District.
Joined by 60 others along the way, his route looped from Sandbanks, around Poole Harbour, through the Purbecks and ending at Shell Bay and the chain ferry. Each loop measures approximately 30 miles.
The charities benefitting from the £6,708 raised are Diverse Abilities and Marie Curie.
Diverse Abilities is Dorset’s disability charity, providing care and support for children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities across the county. Marie Curie offers care, guidance and support to people living with a terminal illness.
Jonny commented: “As a keen cyclist, the Poole Harbour loop is an iconic cycling route. I’ve always wondered how many times it would be possible to cycle around in one day. What better way than to raise money for two incredible charities.
“Since completing the ride, I have had no end of praise and congratulations from friends and family, but all I really did was do something I love, going for a ride on my bicycle with various groups of awesome cycling buddies, for a whole day. I really did have the best day.
“The staff who work for these charities are the legends, what they do on a day to day basis is beyond belief.”
Jonny first came across Diverse Abilities following some voluntary carpentry work installing a kitchen and was “struck by the outstanding work that the staff do taking care of children and adults with profound disabilities”.
Emma Bovey, fundraising manager, added: “We are so impressed with what Jonny and the gang have achieved – and honoured to have been chosen as one of his charities to benefit from the day. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who got involved or donated, you are all absolute champions in our eyes.”
Sponsor Jonny by visiting either of his JustGiving pages for each of the charities:
Marie Curie: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonathan-weber
Diverse Abilities: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonathan-weber1