Retired Vicar Peter Langford – Photo Credit: Sunrise Studio
Whilst most nonagenarians would choose to celebrate this milestone in a traditional way, retired Vicar Peter Langford, from Beccles in Suffolk, will be celebrating his 90th birthday with an epic sponsored LEJOG cycle ride from Cornwall’s Land’s End to Scotland’s John O’Groats.
Taking place from 22nd August to 21st September 2023, Peter will be cycling over 1100 miles from the most southerly point to the most northerly point of the UK, raising money and spreading awareness for those that are rough sleeping or facing homelessness across the country.
Peter suffers from arthritic knees, which sometimes make walking difficult, but that’s not stopping him! He’s spent months training for the iconic end to end challenge that tests the limits of thousands of much younger athletes every year. In his own words “Cycling makes me 30 years younger!”
This will be the 4th time Peter has embarked on this epic cycle ride to fundraise for charities that assist the most vulnerable in the community. His past 3 successful endeavours at ages 75, 80 and 85 have already raised nearly £60,000. This time Peter hopes to raise a mighty £50,000, with proceeds split and donated between Suffolk-based charity Access Community Trust, who provides shelter and personalised support to over 300 individuals and families every night and the Salvation Army.
When asked why he is once again undertaking such an immense challenge, Mr Langford commented, “Reflecting on my life so far, I am truly thankful that I have not had to worry too much about money, my health, or a roof over my head, but times have changed significantly from when I was young. Today, there are so many people and families struggling with the bare basics, not knowing where they are going to sleep for the evening or where the next meal will be coming from. If I can raise awareness of the cause and my supporters donate what they can, together we can make a real difference too many people’s lives”.
His cycle route will take him via The Lizard, the most Southerly point in Britain through to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point before finishing in John O’Groats.
Peter himself recognises that this might be the last time he will be able to complete the route, which when he succeeds would potentially see him become the oldest male to accomplish the goal.
Michael Francis, Fundraising Coordinator for Access Community Trust added, “The pandemic, followed by the cost of living crisis has led to a dramatic increase in rough sleeping, sofa surfing and families with nowhere to turn. Our charitable services, like most in the charity sector are struggling with meeting demand, not only for bed space, but to provide the necessary wellbeing support and hope for those in need. Peter is an incredible and inspiring individual. He is so passionate to complete the challenge and to raise as much money has possible for such a worthy cause, which will really help so many people.”
To find out more about Peter’s upcoming journey and to support his fundraising please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peterlangford.
To see and hear more directly from Peter about the challenge visit: https://youtu.be/lnqDJp1mjrA.
