Whiteley man takes on charity London to Paris cycle around UK after original event is postponed
THREE fundraising event cancellations were not enough to stop a determined Whiteley man from using pedal power to raise thousands for the homeless.
Sean Whelan was due to take on a 300-mile cycle from London to Paris for the charity Society of St James, which helps homeless people in Portsmouth and Southampton.
When this was postponed for the second time, as well as a postponed Land’s End to John o’Groats trip, he had to get creative.
Sean, managing director of Segensworth-based Whelan Pest Prevention, decided to take on the length of the ride while staying in the UK and headed from London to Southampton, to Weymouth and around the Isle of Wight before finishing with a 60-mile New Forest loop.
The journey, which started from the London Eye, came into difficulties early on when at the 11-mile stage Sean hit a raised kerb and picked up a nasty black eye.
Despite this, he continued on his long journey and his efforts have raised more than £3,500 for the charity.
Sean said: ‘It was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. The smash in the face was a bit of a shock, however it looked worse than what it was.
‘It was great to finish it though and the support from the donations were incredible.’
The Society of St James provides a range of supported living services across the county, helping people from all walks of life experiencing homelessness.
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sean-whelan10 to learn more about the charity and donate to Sean’s chosen cause.
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