We’d like to say congratulations to Joe Everatt, Consultant Anaesthetist at the Horton General, on his achievement in completing the Lands End to John O’Groats Bike Ride.

The iconic bike ride is not for the faint-hearted, and Joe’s decision to take on this challenge was made at short notice, which meant that his training, as he put it, ‘was marginal to non-existent!’

He chose to raise money for the Lower Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Services at the Churchill, as this department has treated him over the past year, and he wanted to give something back.

Joe said, “This trip is something I have always wanted to do, and having been treated by the team at the Lower GI unit, it seemed the right thing to do to raise money for them. My original plan was to complete it in 11 days. By day four, it became apparent that it was a bit ambitious while carrying full camping gear, so I adjusted my schedule to 15 days.

 “After that, it was much easier. The hardest bits were Devon and Cornwall, they were so hilly, and Wales – even more hilly, plus torrential rain! And the best bits were Scotland with empty roads, surprisingly few hills, and of course being much fitter by that time! I met lots of interesting people along the way, quite a few on the same route as me.

 “Thanks to everyone who supported me, I was very touched! Finally, to anyone contemplating doing the same trip, I would say go for it! It’s all about having enough time to do it at whatever pace suits you, and the focus to just get up every morning and pedal, even if it’s raining!”

Claire Hughes, Events Officer from Oxford Hospitals Charity, said, “Congratulations to Joe on this achievement. Cycling over 1,000 miles and raising £2,110 for the Lower GI Unit is amazing.

Fundraising such as this makes such a difference to our hospitals. If you would like to start your own fundraising challenge, visit www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/events for some inspiration.