Former runner takes part in 225-mile charity cycle ride

Julian Goater, 71, joined influencer Travis Nelson and his cat Sigrid, along with a team of cyclists, in Honeypot Children’s Charity's first-ever 'House to House Cycle'.

The event took place over four days, from August 1 to August 4, and started in the New Forest, Hampshire, and ended in Pen-y-Bryn, Mid Wales.

Mr Goater said: "I heard about Honeypot Children’s Charity through my long-term friend.

"He told me about the fantastic work the charity does supporting young carers - who of course need occasional breaks from their never-ending chores.

"They really are unsung heroes."

The cyclists faced challenging terrain while raising funds for the charity, which supports young carers as young as five.

They were welcomed at Honeypot Pen y Bryn by young carers and a congratulations banner.

Before the ride, each cyclist was matched with a young carer.

Mr Goater was paired with 10-year-old Mia, who helps care for her two older brothers with a life-limiting condition.

Mr Goater said: "I enjoyed meeting her before the cycle at the House, giving me plenty of encouragement."

Julian Goater was paired with 10-year-old Mia who helps care for her two older brothers who have a life-limiting condition (Image: Honeypot Childrens' Charity)

Mr Nelson, who cycles with Sigrid, said: "It was really nice to come down to Hampshire and see the house, facilities for young carers and learn about what Honeypot do.

"I am riding for young carer Jessica who cares for her mum, Sigrid was born deaf and certainly appreciates Jessica’s sign language efforts as a young carer."

The Honeypot Children’s Charity opened its first house in Blackfield in 1996, catering for young carers aged between five and 12.

The charity provides a range of services to support young carers, including residential respite breaks, educational support, and wellbeing grants.

Simmi Woodwall, chief executive of Honeypot, said: "We are immensely grateful to all the cyclists for taking on such an ambitious cycle in aid of our young carers.

"John Pocock came to us with a vision and I’m so happy that we have been able to help him bring this to fruition.

"We hope that this will be the first of many House to House cycling events to come and we invite anyone and everyone to join us."

The event was the brainchild of John Pocock, a long-time supporter of Honeypot, who had previously raised more than £100,000 for the charity with his son Jamie.

Mr Pocock said: "I want to see this event grow year on year to help Honeypot reach more young carers so they too can create happy childhood memories and build brighter futures."

The cyclists were supported along the route by fans, and Sir Jim Smith, president of the Zoological Society of London, was another who took part.

Mr Goater said: "I enjoyed the physical challenge, but also riding in places I’ve never ridden in before.

"Particularly enjoyed the comradery of keeping everyone together and riding as a team."

He said the miles flew by.

Honeypot is now planning its next House to House Cycle for 2025.

Anyone interested in joining the event can contact Honeypot for further details.

To learn more about the work of Honeypot and the House to House cycle, visit their website.