Couple to cycle 33,000km from Alaska to Argentina in memory of mum

A courageous couple are preparing to pedal 33,000 kilometres across the Americas over two years, raising thousands in memory of a mum who received end-of-life care at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

Jonas Pollard, 31, and his partner Margaux, 28, will set off on a two- year journey from Anchorage, Alaska, on 14 May, travelling through 14 countries along the west coast of North, Central and South America before reaching Ushuaia in Argentina.

The pair aim to raise £33,000 during the challenge and will spilt the funds between Sue Ryder and World Bicycle Relief.

Jonas was inspired to jump on his saddle after his mum, Maggie, was cared for at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice near her home Painswick during the final weeks of her life date.

“My mum had cancer for quite a few years. It was around Christmas that she went into the Sue Ryder hospice, so it was a very, very hard time,” he said.

“The space and everyone there was just so warm, and even the grounds itself were so inviting and peaceful. I just wanted to make sure more people can feel at peace like my mum did there.”

Jonas described the care and compassion shown to his family during that time.

“They had so much respect and understanding. Anyone you spoke to from the Sue Ryder Nurses to the team at reception, were very patient. They made it special for us whenever went to see her. Me and my sister were able to go into her room when we wished to and we even had Christmas dinner together, which meant a lot. They made the room feel more personal, it didn’t feel like a hospital.”

Following Maggie’s death, Jonas continued to receive bereavement support through Sue Ryder.
The idea for the journey has been years in the making, building on Jonas’ previous long-distance cycling experience.

He continues: “The Americas really appealed because you have a continuous road all the way from Alaska to Argentina.”

Margaux, however, is taking on the challenge after starting from a very different place.

She said, "My close ones were really surprised that I decided to take on the challenge with Jo, as they knew I was not a keen cyclist, and not the biggest wild adventurer either. However, they were very supportive from the get go. With this trip, I'm really hoping to get rid of my self-doubt, and show myself how resilient I can be."

After a year of training, she now feels ready to take on the 33,000km journey, which will involve wild camping and navigating a range of terrains and climates. As they prepare to leave, the couple say they are experiencing a mix of excitement and nerves about the scale of the challenge and the time away from loved ones.

“There are definitely some nerves. It’s an interesting mix of emotions and also saying goodbye to people for a couple of years,” Jonas said.

The couple have already launched their fundraising page and will keep it open throughout the two-year journey, sharing regular updates along the way.

To support Jonas and Margaux’s journey, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/somewhere-slow-2?utm_medium=FR

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About Sue Ryder:

At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years, we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.

Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. We are a safe and reassuring hand you can reach for. From providing care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief - so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.

We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
 

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