Charity | Posted on October 21st, 2025 | return to news

Dan cycles 1,040 miles for Ferndown charity

Dan Avery-Hebditch cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats raising £5,260 for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

A man who took up the Land’s End to John O’ Groats cycling challenge has raised £5,260 for the Ferndown-based John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF).

Dan Avery-Hebditch’s journey over six days and covering 1,040 miles was far from smooth. On the first day, a snapped gear cable threatened to halt his progress. Thankfully, his wife Tina and cycling club friend, Hugh, sprang into action — delivering a spare bike so Dan could continue his journey. Hugh repaired Dan’s main bike by 4am the next day, so Tina could reunite him with it in Runcorn at the end of day two.

The British weather put Dan to the test, with relentless wind and torrential rain battering him along the way. However, Dan wasn’t going to give up, and his determination saw him push onward, overcoming both physical and mental challenges to reach John O’Groats in record time. His achievement has inspired not just friends and family, but also strangers he encountered en route, who were moved by his extraordinary dedication.

Dan’s challenge was generously supported by local businesses. Custom Creations and Hudsons sponsored his kit and made generous contributions to his JustGiving page, while Sibbett Gregory, ABS Computer Systems, and Francesco Hair Salon made significant donations to help Dan reach his impressive fundraising total.

Linda Thornton said: “A massive thank you goes to Tina for her unwavering support, driving the entire route and investing enormous time and energy into Dan’s success. Their son Jake also played a crucial role, organising a fundraising afternoon tea at Alexandria Court to boost donations even further.”

Dan has a personal connection with JTYAF. Despite being born a decade apart, both he and John grew up in Ferndown, attended the same schools, and served as cadets in the Air Training Corps. Dan’s challenge was his way of honouring this bond and giving back to a cause close to his heart — helping young people seize opportunities and realise their ambitions.

Dan has so far raised £4,405, smashing his fundraising target of £4,000. People can support the challenge at https://www.justgiving.com/page/dan-avey-hebditch-jtyaf-lejog.