Downham Market man's 1,000-mile cycle challenge raises thousands for charity

A Downham man has cycled 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for Norfolk and Waveney Mind.

Lee Bigland, 27, who teaches music to children with mental health difficulties, has raised more than £3,000 to help enhance services.

Lee’s 12-day challenge, which started on August 27, was completed on Sunday, September 8 – and by Monday, he was back to work.

“It was incredibly hard, I trained around Norfolk which wasn’t ideal in terms of incline,” he said.

“Some parts of the journey, we reached 9,000ft, and in Norfolk you are lucky to get 2,000ft.”

This is not the first time that Lee, who plays for West Norfolk Rugby Union Football Club, has challenged himself to raise funds for the charity – which was formerly West Norfolk Mind before it merged with two other Norfolk Mind charities in July.

In previous years, Lee cycled from London to Paris and also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lee said reaching John O’Groats will be a moment to remember.

He said: “I think the highlight for me was the finishing line – I had friends waiting for me and it was the best feeling in the world.”

“I had messages every day from family, friends and pupils encouraging me to keep going and donating whilst I was out cycling,” Lee added.

“It was great knowing I had the support of everyone around me when I was really struggling.”

Zena Penty, volunteer co-ordinator at Norfolk and Waveney Mind, said it is anticipated that the money will be used to enhance the charity’s services at the new St Faith’s Bungalow Project in Gaywood.

She said: “Lee has done amazingly well to complete his mega challenge and we’re very proud and grateful to him.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lbigland.