Posted on: 9 December 2021
After taking on a 2000 mile motorbike ride to thank Milton Keynes mental health services, Luke has reached his gruelling goal. Huge thanks to him from CNWL, for raising £2,700 so far.
Luke’s JustGiving page is open until 31 December.
A report about Luke’s brilliant effort to raise funds can be read on the MK Citizen's website
Luke told CNWL:
"I could of given up, especially on the last day. It was hard being all alone in the cold, dark and wet - but I didn’t. And the reward for myself was overwhelming and worth it to give something back.
This was almost a reflection of part of my life, at my low times, as I could of given up more times then once, but I didn’t.
This will not be for nothing. After Christmas, I will be keeping up my fight to help others like myself and would be keen to help where I can with mental health.
On December 1 at 8am I did 522 miles. I left the hospital to start my journey. The excitement of the day - I was itching to set off. While reaching Land’s End, the wind was really picking up. And heading back up to Bristol on the A30, the wind was that strong I was being moved over the lanes at times.
On day 2 - 440 miles from Bristol to Scotland was a straight run for me despite the weather being cold and windy. The rain was little to nothing and I reached my finishing point for that day. Getting to Scotland was an achievement in itself.
Day 3 - 400 miles - After making it through beautiful Scotland to reach the top at John O’Groats I couldn’t believe that I’d made it right from the other side of country; the whole day was wet and windy but I made it. After some hot food I knew I had to make it down as far south as I could to reach home the next day.
Unfortunately after about 400 miles there was a major road accident on the A9 south of Perth. After waiting two hours in the rain at the front of the huge tailback to be let through and offering the Emergency services my assistance in any way (I’m sure they had it under control) I was told it was going to be a good few hours before they completed what they had to do. I headed back up north 10 miles to get shelter (hotel).
Day 4 - the final push! About 460 miles from home I set off tired, run down. Within 10 miles the snow had started to fall and forced me to pull over as my vision being poorly obstructed (even after constantly wiping my visor). I was wet and cold from the start. Pushing through I made it to Lancaster for the snow to yet again fall right into my path!
By this point I just wanted to give up especially after my motorcycle started to give way in certain areas. All day I had to deal with the rain and winds and by the time I reached Birmingham I started to struggle. I finally saw some familiar land marks of my home grounds and it gave me strength to get home to my loved ones and to complete what I set out to do.
Finally I made it and I couldn’t have been more relieved - my body physically and mentally drained and hurting.
I could step off my trusty steed and say I did it - 2,000 miles round the UK in the winter times and raising over £2,700 (the Just Giving page will end on 13 December 2021)."