World record attempt sees North End grandmother become first woman to complete Lands End to John O’Groats and back cycle
BATTLING through Storm Francis was a North End grandmother on a mission to raise mental health money, inspire others - and bag herself a world record.
Marcia Roberts is the first female to record an official time for cycling the 1,725 miles from Lands End to John o’Groats and back, after completing her epic journey in 11 days, 13 hours and 13 minutes.
Incredible support for the record attempt was gathered by Marcia, who was surprised to find people joining her for stretches of the journey, bringing hot meals and even lending her clothes.
Marcia said: ‘It started amazing because I started the route with a motorbike outrider on the A30 with a massive tail wind.
People were all beeping their horns, videoing me and clapping - it was a bit of a hero’s start.’
She added: ‘The people on the side of the road and the people who got out to help or come along to ride for a few miles - it’s definitely what’s made the attempt the best thing.
‘When people were cheering me on, I thought I can’t stop. You can never underestimate the enthusiasm of strangers pushing you on.’
Marcia was told by Guinness to finish in 8.5 days to achieve the official record, but she has written to ask for reconsideration.
The 54-year-old has raised more than £8,000 through this incredible feat for Solent Mind, which Marcia wanted to support after seeing the effect lockdown has had on people.
Marcia said: ‘On the journey, some of the people who rode with me started sharing their mental health journeys.
‘It made me realise even more just how important it is we keep funding our mental health services. Some of the people I spoke to might not have even been here if they hadn’t been able to get support.’
The final stretch saw Marcia joined by seven other people to spur her on towards the finish line at Land’s End.
Hoping to inspire others, Marcia said: ‘If you don’t think you can do something, try it anyway. Just push yourself a little further and don’t stick within your comfort zone. Don’t give up, keep trying because it does get easier.’
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/marcia-roberts to donate.