By David Lynes, CEO & Founder of Unique IQ
Donate now: https://thecareworkerscharity.enthuse.com/pf/david-lynes-cycle-2023
It’s fair to say that I am broken. Physically I gave everything and more and had to battle headwinds, sunstroke and sleep deprivation.
For me I was able to cover a staggering 860km distance from Warwick to Dover and then across Europe to Bielefeld, Germany. It was an exhilarating, exhausting and challenging experience.
The challenge, created by my friend and fellow cyclist Paul Berney of Anthropos, pushed me to my limits. The rules were simple but tough – pedal as far as possible in 48 hours, completely unsupported. We had to carry or purchase everything we needed along the way, with only the option of taking a ferry (subtracting the distance) if the UK stretch wasn’t enough. No other form of public transport was permitted.
Starting on Friday 19th May at 6pm from Warwickshire, I joined other passionate cyclists on this incredible adventure – we all planned our own routes and set off solo… I pedalled through day and night, facing physical and mental challenges, until I reached the finish line exactly 48 hours later, at 6pm on Sunday 21st May. The final distance was measured “as the crow flies”.
But this challenge wasn’t just about the thrill of cycling. It was an opportunity to support a cause close to my heart – The Care Workers’ Charity. In the social care sector, caregivers often face financial difficulties due to low wages, zero-hours contracts, and minimal sick pay. The Care Workers’ Charity was established to provide vital support to these amazing individuals during times of financial crisis. They work tirelessly to raise awareness and uplift care workers, and I’m honored to contribute to their cause.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my gold sponsor, AVERio, for their generous support. AVERio offers peace of mind to care professionals by promoting safety and independence for those under their care. With their smart sensors and user-friendly app, unexpected events, changes in activity and falls can be detected and responded to within 60 seconds.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to My Learning Cloud, Care Show, Envision Communications, and BizSmart for their sponsorship. Your support means the world to me and to The Care Workers’ Charity.
This epic challenge was not just about the distance covered; it was a testament to human resilience, determination, and the power of supporting those who care for others. Thank you to everyone who cheered me on, donated, and helped make this adventure unforgettable.