Photograph: John Marjoribanks with his daughter Rachel at Tobermory.
Determined cyclist, John Marjoribanks, from Duns in Berwickshire has completed his epic 1400 mile journey around Great Britain and raised over one thousand pounds for the End Polio Now campaign.
John, a member of the Rotary Club of Duns, started his massive circuit, nicknamed Sewn Up, in August last year, planning to pedal his way from:
South (Lizard Point, Cornwall), via
East (Lowestoft Ness, Suffolk) and
West (Point of Ardnamurchan, Argyll) to
North (Dunnet Head, Caithness),
UP the UK from end to end.
It was not all freewheeling. In September, during John’s tour through Lanchester, a collision with a bus put the brakes on his ride for several months. John took time out to rest before getting back on the road at the very spot where his accident took place on the 25th of April this year. He set off amidst cheering support including from the bus driver who pledging to sponsor John.
John arrived in Dunnet Head, Caithness, on the 5th of May, a day earlier than expected to the delight of his supporters. It has taken exceptional fitness of both mind and body to complete this ride of a lifetime which often saw him in the saddle for up to 8 hours a day. The tour has taken John to some of the most stunning beauty spots the country has to offer.
“This has been great fun. I am weary but very satisfied. I have seen some of the most stunning countryside on my tour. The West Coast from Mull to Ardnamurchan and the Isle of Skye is just breathtaking. The views across to the Cuillins, Applecross and the Five Sisters are stunning.
“My daughter, Rachel, joined me on part of this tour which was great fun. She is due to begin her training for the Territorial Army and decided that a bike ride would be good way to start. The support of my family is important. You can’t do this trip unless your family is behind you.”
The trip has been physically challenging, although John has cycled the length of Great Britain previously. Even with another achievement under his belt, John is very humble as he reminds all why he took on this odyssey.
“The hardship of cycling is nothing compared to the hardship of people suffering from polio. I would ask that people support Rotary’s efforts to End Polio Now.”
John is currently enjoying a rest in Thurso and will be joined by his wife. He, his wife and his daughter plan to spend a few days together before heading home to the Borders.
A map of John’s route is available here.
If you would ike to donate, please click here.
