Article and photo source: Wokingham Today

JOGLE: Dale Thomas and Alan Francis reached Land’s End after cycling 950 miles
TWO CYCLISTS completed an epic fundraising challenge for a Wokingham charity this month.

Dale Thomas, a past Wokingham resident, and his long-term friend Alan Francis, set off on their 950-mile adventure on Monday, June 21.

They cycled for Wokingham-based organisation, the Ollie Young Foundation, which funds targeted paediatric brain tumour research and support.

Having set themselves a fundraising target of £5,000, the pair have now raised £8,500 with the hopes to still raise more.

The pair cycled from John O’Groats, Caithness, Scotland, and made it to the finish line in Land’s End, Cornwall, on July 7.

Come rain or shine, the duo travelled around 60 miles a day and climbed almost 47,000 feet on their bikes across the whole journey.

Mr Thomas explained it was an “absolute pleasure” to take part in the challenge.

“The bike ride was a fantastic adventure and both me and Alan really enjoyed it, although challenging at times with uphill climbs and some downpours, it was tremendous fun,” he said.

“We are very proud to have taken part in this challenge, knowing the story behind the Ollie Young Foundation we know that the money is going to such a good cause.”

Mr Thomas added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us by donating or by helping us along the way, we received so many donations from strangers as we passed by which is amazing and we are very grateful to them all.”

Sarah Simpson from the Ollie Young Foundation expressed her thanks to the pair for their fundraising efforts.

She said: “We are in awe and extremely proud of what Dale and Alan have achieved over the past 19 days on their mega JOGLE challenge for the OYF.

“Following their progress through their daily updates has been wonderful and very entertaining and we are immensely grateful to have their support and cannot thank them enough.”