Wonder wheels Josh hits target
Cycle star raises £10k for charity despite injury woes
West Lothian cyclist Josh Quigley has hit his £10,000 fundraising target for Arthritis Action while attempting to break the record for the greatest distance cycled in a week.
Even though Josh was forced to abandon his bid for the record earlier this month after suffering a serious knee injury on the fourth day, he still managed to clock up the impressive amount for the charity.
Endurance cyclist Josh, who is the fastest person to cycle the North Coast 500 route, said it was a major blow after clocking up daily distances that, if continued for the full seven days, would have seen him set a new world record. Since ending his challenge, Josh has undergone rehabilitation and recovery and intends to make a fresh attempt along the same route this summer.
He said: “I was extremely disappointed at being forced to stop and pull out of the world record attempt — but I feel very proud of my support team and what we all achieved up in Deeside.
“Although I didn’t manage it this time, I still put in a strong performance and still hit the £10,000 fundraising target for Arthritis Action.
“There also was huge support from the local Deeside community, and I woud like to thank everyone who came along and cheered me on — their support meant so much to me and really helped me dig deep.”
Shantel Irwin, CEO at Arthritis Action, added: “The whole team has been inspired by Josh’s world record-breaking attempt.
“His drive and ambition have proved that young people living with conditions such as arthritis are still able to push themselves and live extraordinary, fulfilling lives.
“Arthritis can affect people of any age – in fact, around four million people under the age of 35 live with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions in the UK.
“We believe that Josh’s attempt will help to inspire others like him to see the potential within themselves and live a more active life with arthritis.
“We’re all looking forward to Josh’s next attempt at the record later this year!”
Josh’s Guinness World Record attempt sponsor is Thomas Franks.
Frank Bothwell, founder of Thomas Franks, said: “We are fully behind Josh as he plans the next attempt.
“We have followed and supported Josh over the past few years and are immensely proud to be the main sponsor for his Guinness World Record — and are just in awe of what Josh has accomplished after everything he has been through.
“He and his team have our full support.”
If you would like to donate to Josh’s cause, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joshquigley7daycyclingworldrecord
I was very disappointed at being forced to pull out, but feel very proud of my team ... I still hit the target