Paulsgrove plasterer cycles 100 miles from Essex to Portsmouth for the NHS to collect his work tools

As advice changed for construction workers to prepare to return to their jobs Luke King, who was isolating with his girlfriend Georgia Robertson in Essex, decided to set himself a fundraising challenge.

The pair had been travelling in Asia from February 17, with plans to stay out there for five months, however the trip was cut short as lockdown restrictions came into place.

After a taste of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, they returned home - but had to stay with Georgia’s family in Fobbing due to a family member in Luke’s household having a lung condition which made them vulnerable.

An emergency dental appointment which could not take place near his temporary home, as well as the need to collect his work equipment, caused 25-year-old Luke to cycle all the way from Fobbing to Portsmouth - a 100-mile trip which took more than 12 hours to complete.

Luke, who finished his journey on top of Portsdown Hill at Mick’s Monster Burgers, said: ‘I didn’t train at all for it - I can just about walk now. My legs are in all sorts of trouble, it was a long way.

‘I felt really relieved to get back and it was nice to see Portsmouth again as I was born and bred here so it was nice to be in my hometown.’

The huge effort raised more than £650 for the NHS Charities, as a thank you for their hard work at this time.

Luke added: ‘The amount of hours they’re putting in while others are paid to be at home, the NHS are still there struggling and there is still so much going on.

‘If we don’t need it now then we will need it one day.’

Proud girlfriend Georgia said: ‘I thought it was crazy but I know when he sets his mind to something he will do it. I was really proud of him, it’s such a big achievement.’

The pair hope to head out to Asia later this year to continue their long-awaited trip.

To donate to Luke’s fundraiser, visit gofundme.com/f/100-mile-ride-home.

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