Cambridge tree surgeon Ben Hudson takes on the ‘ultimate British journey’

Ben Hudson, a tree surgeon from Cambridge, has completed a charity bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

The former professional boxer, who only started cycling in February, tackled the ride in memory of his friend Paul Norris, who died after a long battle with cancer on New Year’s Eve 2022.

Ben, who has so far raised £25,870 for the Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough, began his 14-day, 940-mile journey on June 4 and finally arrived in John O’Groats last Sunday (June 18).

He was helped by a team of drivers in a support vehicle. The team included his dad, uncle, close friends, workmates and his partner, Lucy.

Ben, 50, said: “The most difficult bits have been firstly Bodmin Moor in Cornwall – that’s 1,100 feet above sea level, that’s got the sharpest inclines, and then the highest point is Shap Fell in Cumbria. That’s nine miles uphill without a break!”

Tim Baynes, Ben’s uncle, donated £10,000 to the charity.

Ben promised Paul on his deathbed that he would tackle “the ultimate British journey”. Donate at Ben’s JustGiving page at justgiving.com/page/ben-hudson-1680471782499.