THE first ever straight-line journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats was completed this month by the Beeline Britain team. Arriving at John O’Groats, the UK mainland’s most northerly point, after an epic voyage across the country, the boys were delighted to receive a congratulatory phone call from His Royal Highness Prince Harry.
He said: “You’ve done a sterling job. I am so glad you’ve enjoyed it and I am really sad I didn’t get to join you. This was a seriously hard and arduous journey, in such a short space of time. You’ve started something that other people can really latch on to and we’re going to make sure we do our best to support it. It’s a huge feat, I am really proud of you all.”
Tackling the toughest terrain
Supported by Prince Harry’s Endeavour Fund, they covered over 1,100km by kayaking, cycling, mountain biking and hiking their way across the UK completing two record breaking sea crossings en route, including the longest open sea kayak crossing in the UK; 34 hours non-stop!
The team of four, which included Paralympian and double amputee Army veteran Nick Beighton, have tackled the UK’s toughest terrain to raise money for BLESMA; the limbless veterans charity.
Nick said: “This has been a tough challenge, my body has been blown up and bolted back together again and I know Beeline Britain would test it to its limits. For me I wanted to show how life-changing injuries don’t limit your ability to tackle epic challenges and I wanted to raise funds for BLESMA who make a hugely positive impact on injured veterans; I feel we’ve achieved all of those aims.”
Success from a crazy idea
Beeline Britain have taken an iconic UK challenge and given it a new twist, showing ingenuity, determination and physical endurance in support of our injured veterans.
Ian O’Grady, RAF helicopter crewman and founder of the Beeline Britain concept, was hugely proud to cross the finish line. He said: “Three years ago this was just a crazy idea I had to raise awareness of how inspirational our injured veterans are; to be arriving in John O’Groats after crossing the whole country is just brilliant.”
For more information or to donate, go to www.beelinebritain.com or www.facebook.com/beelinebritain