A MANAGER at a brewery has put to the pedal to the metal in an epic challenge cycling to 50 pubs across Dorset to raise vital funds for a great cause.
Jon Mead of family brewers, Hall & Woodhouse, in Blandford has completed a gruelling challenge to cycle to each of the company’s 50 pubs in Dorset to raise cash for Dorset Mind.
In total, £1,867 has been raised to date for the brewery’s local charity partner after Mr Mead completed the cycle - covering more than 217 miles (350km) across the county-wide pub trail.
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Mr Mead said: "It took us over 19 hours to complete.
"What kept me going was my passion for raising awareness and challenging the stigma that surrounds mental health.
"Dorset Mind has seen a peak in demand for its services as a result of the pandemic so it’s important that we fundraise to enable them to keep supporting our local communities.
"I'm over the moon that the cycle raised more than the £1,777 I had set out to do.
"The hills coming out of Weymouth and Lulworth towards the end of day one were real tests of character. However, the climb coming out of Lulworth offered a stunning view and was well worth the effort.
"We built up a head of steam and felt victorious coming back past the Badger Roundabout in Blandford at the end of the ride.
"Cycling and socialising in our pubs supports my own mental health and I hope to inspire others to undertake an activity that nurtures their wellbeing."
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Mr Mead was joined by his seven-year-old daughter Ellie riding to the first four pubs, and different team members and supporters accompanied him for other parts of his ride.
The challenge started at the brewery, in Blandford St Mary, and onto a tour across the brewery's pubs across the county including the Olive Branch, in Wimborne, Ship Inn, in Weymouth, Grasshopper, in Parkstone, Old Granary, in Wareham and Lulworth Cove Inn - before returning to the brewery.
Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind CEO, said: "We’re incredibly impressed that Jon took on such a demanding challenge to raise money and awareness for Dorset Mind.
"It's proven that fresh air and exercise contribute to better mental wellbeing, so Jon’s challenge represents many of the positive habits we encourage people to practise.
"We’re extremely grateful for Hall & Woodhouse’s continued support and would like to extend our thanks to everyone that donated to raise such a fantastic amount of money.
"This donation will go a long way to helping us support adults and young people in Dorset with their mental health and wellbeing."
To find out more about Dorset Mind’s services please visit www.dorsetmind.uk or www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk for more information on Hall & Woodhouse’s charity partnerships.
To donate, visit: www.facebook.com/donate/918079299041487/955772235272193/
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