Pete's Journey - Land's End to John O'Groats

Picture this... One man, one bike, one thousand miles plus… The story, the route, and the reason…On 26th April, Peter Delaney, 64, a Beverley Rotarian, set off on an epic quest as a lone cyclist, to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

You may ask “What makes a man want to do such an epic journey?” The answer is simple - the love of an amazing woman, who was tragically taken by Motor Neurone Disease.

His love for his wife, Maureen is the answer. They met in 1984, following a 9-year courtship, they eventually married in 1993 and Peter spent the next twenty nine happy years with his love. Until MND tragically intervened.

One day, Maureen said “Do I sound ok?” - this was to be the start of an unforgiving journey of hope and endurance in her battle against Motor Neurone Disease. Peter describes their journey together. “Maureen’s voice slowly deteriorated following medical investigations and eventually MND was diagnosed.

“Every week, every day, every hour Maureen slowly deteriorated, and the symptoms worsened. She lost the ability to speak, walk, eat, or drink. Wheelchairs and house conversions were the only way we could function. Life together moved to the converted downstairs dining room.

“All through Maureen’s journey I loved her and cared for her. Despite her illness, Maureen still took charge, she wore the boots in our relationship, she tried to protect me, she planned her own funeral and in her own way she still carried out a support role, looking out for others in our community. An amazing woman.

“Throughout the whole MND journey, all the medical staff we met were amazing, they could not be faulted and couldn’t do too much for us. After fighting valiantly for two short years, Maureen lost the battle, and I lost the love of my life.

“It became my passion to follow through Maureen’s legacy, so I decided to go into battle against this debilitating and deathly disease. I came up with the idea of using my skills as a cyclist to do what is known as a LEJOG journey (Land’s End to John O’Groats) and raise some funds to help the MND Cure Finders.

Peter, just prior to setting off said, " Jim, Julie, I need a number, Kevin has a number, Rob has a number, Doddie has a number. I need a number". The think tank got into action. "53", Pete's wife was born on 5th March 1953. - Julie did all the artwork, Pete had is motivational number, when things got tough, 53 drove him through.

"With my brother Jim (logistics), and his wife Julie, (Nutrition), we came up with a plan. As a team we were supported by the Rotarian groups and Rugby Clubs across the length and width of the country".

Jim and Julie commented, " breaking the route down into daily schedules, helped both physically and mentally, although Pete wasn't too happy with the ice bath!. Our thank you goes out to the people that came out to support Peter, just incredible and Kevin Sinfield getting involved and getting behind Peter was brilliant along with the Wood Lane community".

“I would like to invite you to share my passion and by donating, help the MND Cure Finders speed up the research, so that, in the future, others do not have to lose people they love.”

To support Peter in a simple way, his neighbours decided to keep him company, getting behind him by attempting to complete the same mileage using exercise bikes in the street and collating all activities (cycling, walking, swimming, running etc.) to stay hot on his heels!!

The community has raised £2,211.97 through donations and sponsorship by neighbours, friends, family and total strangers who have been inspired by Pete’s story and cycle challenge.

Pete reached the fingerpost at John O’Groats on Thursday 30th May having cycled over 1,200 miles! Which included a couple of detours along the route!! A story for Pete to tell. He arrived home on Sunday 2nd June to a BIG reception on Wood Lane.

If you wish to donate go to :-

https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/route-53-marching-on-mnd