July 8th 2023.
Pete Hawkins, a 62-year-old man from Tideswell in the Peak District, was determined to remember his two lost friends in a special way. Tony Hams and David Ellis had both been diagnosed with motor neurone disease and passed away within two years of each other, unable to be surrounded by their family due to the Covid lockdown restrictions. So, Pete decided to cycle 960 miles around Britain, visiting places with the word ‘ness’ in the name, in tribute to them.
Pete embarked on his journey on June 24, starting in Durness, Scotland. He then made his way to Alness, West Shinness, Loch Ness, the River Ness, Inverness, Bo’ness, The Nesses, a field in the village of Haxby, and finished at Crossness Sewage Treatment Works, London. All the money raised will go towards the Motor Neurone Disease Association to raise public awareness of the disease.
The cyclist was overwhelmed by the support he received along the way. He said: “I’ve met some lovely people from the MND Association… they’re heroes. They do all the work on a day-by-day basis. They’re just very inspiring people and doing what they can to raise funds and raise the awareness and the profile of the disease.”
He's now raised almost £7,000 and, as Pete said, “If there’s any message that doesn’t sound too trite, then just get out and do something.” To support Pete’s cause, you can visit his JustGivingPage.
Pete’s journey was an incredible act of remembrance. He showed remarkable strength and determination, and it’s inspiring to see the support he has received along the way.
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