Jake’s gruelling trek is tribute to his nana
FITNESS instructor Jake Dyer has raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation by cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of his nana.
The 22-year-old former John Cleveland College student, who works at Hinckley Leisure Centre, has already been pledged around £4,500, which will mean more than £3,000 going to the charity after event costs are covered.
And more money is still coming in.
Formerly a lifeguard and duty manager at the old Hinckley Leisure Centre on Coventry Road , he undertook the gruelling 967-mile ride as a tribute to his nana, 70-year-old Eileen Dyer, who died on Boxing Day 2009 due to a hidden heart defect.
A former director of Hinckley United, as was her husband Tony Dyer who still lives in the town, Mrs Dyer had watched her team win the winter bank holiday fixture and was settling down for an afternoon in front of the TV when tragedy struck.
Jake, who had visited the couple on Christmas day, returned from a day out with a friend to find his nana had died suddenly at home.
He pledged to raise money in her memory and is already planning to take part in another challenge for the cause next year.
Posting on Facebook after completing the ride, he said thanks were due to many people including everyone who had donated, sponsored and supported him, including staff at Hinckley Leisure Centre, his family and his girlfriend.
Bikes and Sports on Stockwell Head donated cycling equipment to help him train while The Tin Hat pub on Trent Road has named BHF as its chosen charity of the year and keeps collecting tubs at the bar.
Speaking to The Hinckley Times after the ride, Jake said he felt “pretty good” despite the physical toll.
He said: “Physically, day four was quite hard just because it’s difficult doing back-to-back-to -back riding. You can’t train for that.
“Mentally day nine in Scotland was difficult because of the weather and stuff.”
He was one of 26 out of a starting group of 27 who completed the challenge and many of them have now pledged to keep in touch.
It is still possible to support Jake’s fundraising endeavour at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Jake-Dyer4