Hemel Hempstead man passes £1,000 target for charity on 400 mile cycle to Scotland

A man who is cycling to Scotland from Hemel Hempstead has raised over £1,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital children's charity.

Josh Bangerte, 27, from Hemel Hempstead, set off on his 400 mile challenge on Saturday morning, having already reached his £1,000 target for the charity.

The Gazette spoke to Josh yesterday (Tuesday) and he was in the Peak District, he hopes to reach Scotland by Tuesday, September 15.

He said: "I'm at the Peak District and it's going really well so far, I'm really enjoying it.

"I've had a lot of support which has been great and I've passed the £1,000 target which I'm really happy with.

"I started out at 8am on Saturday morning, I have crossed rivers, bathed in streams, battled through tough terrain and wild camped.

"I have been overcome by the kindness of strangers, who have put me on their campsites free of charge and Halfords have helped me out in their stores free of charge.

"It has been absolutely fantastic so far. A true fitness test.

"I'm hoping to arrive in Gretna Green by Tuesday."

Josh chose to support Great Ormond Street Hospital children's charity, the charity supports the hospital and its patients by funding four key areas rebuilding and refurbishment, support for children and families, research into children's health and life-saving medical equipment.

He added: "This charity does wonderful things for sick children and I wanted to do something to help.

"This is also a personal challenge for myself and one that I will complete. It is to show myself that with a little bit of commitment we as humans can achieve anything and I hope that this may inspire others to achieve their goals."

Kerry-Ann Lowery, Josh's sister, said: "As a family we are so proud of him, he is doing outstanding, it is a massive challenge for him he has only been cycling for a few months.

"All the Hemel community it behind him, the support he has had here has been amazing.

"He has also received a lot of support from people on his challenge, people have offered him food and camp sites to stay at, Halfords did a check for him on his bike, it has been great, the support has been amazing."

To sponsor Josh and support the Great Ormond Street Hospital's children charity, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/one-great-journey-for-some-great-kids.