Press Release: Tom Frost completes LEJOG!

Corsham resident Tom Frost has pedalled his way to success, completing the gruelling Lands End to John O’Groats cycle challenge and beating his fundraising total in aid of healthcare programmes for street-connected children and marginalised communities in Kolkata, India.  

Tom, who is raising funds for The Hope Foundation, covered 995 miles in 72 hours, over the course of 10 days. The cross-country challenge included 65,558 feet of climbing, and he burned off more than 30,000 calories while riding.  

NHS worker Tom, who has sponsored a child through The Hope Foundation for many years, has so far raised £2500 (nearly £3000 including gift aid) for HOPE’s healthcare programmes; this includes Hope Hospital, the Night Round ambulance – a primary healthcare provision – and a new mobile dental clinic. Without these provisions, the street-connected children and families in Kolkata would have no access to medical care.  

Tom’s Just Giving page is still open for donations: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tom-frost-lejog 

Speaking of the experience, Tom said: “The ride was much harder than expected; the weather was rainy at Lands End and the hills in Cornwall were very steep, so the first day was very tiring. The next few days we headed north, including over Dartmoor, the Severn Bridge and up through the Wye Valley and Lake District. These were long and hot days.  

“We reached Scotland on day six and that really lifted my spirits - riding through Edinburgh was a tremendous experience and really brought home how far I'd cycled, even though there was a long way to go. Leaving Edinburgh took us through some amazingly beautiful countryside and that helped distract from some big and long hills - at least there were also long descents.  

“I reached John O'Groats on target on day 10 and celebrated with photos and prosecco at the famous sign. I had chance for an ice-cream on the harbourside looking out towards the Orkneys and reflected on how lucky I'd been with the weather, not having any crashes or punctures and my body managing to adapt to the 100 miles of cycling and see me through unscathed.  

“I was also delighted to have exceeded the sponsorship target and raised so much money for HOPE. Seeing the donations roll in really helped when I stopped for a break and needed a lift to get started again.” 

HOPE UK Head of Fundraising, Juliette Whittaker added: “We are extremely grateful to Tom for taking on his incredible challenge for The Hope Foundation. Our thanks also go to all his friends, family, and colleagues who donated.  Our charity simply couldn’t sustain its vital programmes, helping street-connected children in Kolkata, India, without the support of dedicated fundraisers, such as Tom.  The funds raised will truly help to make a positive and lasting difference too many street-connected children’s lives.  Please donate to Tom’s fundraising page, if you can.”