7 Oct 2022 Community

Craig Garnett raises fantastic funds for The Kirkwood as he goes on epic journey across England

Back in July/August of this year a fantastic supporter of ours Craig Garnett raised a brilliant £1,430 by cycling 1000 miles between Lands’ End and John O’Groats.  

Craig who trained incredibly hard for the event has a connection with The Kirkwood. He knows complementary therapist, Angela Lloyd-Martin and the fantastic work she does for us. Craig was determined to take on a challenge to celebrate his 60th birthday.  

On training for the event and then taking on the challenge, he said: “I’d trained hard for the ride, so I didn’t find the actual challenge too hard. Cycling wise, the ride up to Glenshee Ski Centre in howling crosswinds was difficult. Unfortunately, on three occasions we lost people due to illness whilst on the trek. That was upsetting as we’d become a very tight group of friends. We regrouped just before the finish so we could all arrive together. 

“I felt the strongest and fittest that I’d ever been whilst cycling the route. There was a tremendous sense of achievement and pride that we’d completed the challenge 

“I was very proud to finish it, I set what I thought was an ambitious target of £1000 or £1 per mile and I smashed that up to £1,430.” 

Everyone connected with The Kirkwood is proud of Craig and the amount he has raised for us by completing the epic journey across the UK. The challenge traditionally starts at Land’s End, Cornwall’s westernmost point. From there he cycled 1000 miles to John O’Groats where the challenge ended. On the journey Craig passed over the stunning cliffs of Devon, through the impressive Lake District countryside and up into the Scottish Highlands. 

Craig added: "I wanted to do something for my 60th birthday this year and knowing people who work for The Kirkwood, I wanted to raise funds for the charity.” 

The Kirkwood's complementary therapist, Angela Lloyd-Martin was proud of her friend Craig for taking on the challenge.  

She said: "I have known Craig for a number of years and consider him one of my closest friends. I was really pleased when he told me he wanted to be involved in fundraising for The Kirkwood. 

"I've been watching his fundraising progress and was absolutely delighted when he not only reached his target but went above it."