Miles That Matter: Cycling for a Cause

Millie Nunn • June 11, 2025

Over the past two weeks, two incredible teams from our membership community pushed their limits in endurance challenges – all to raise money for charities related to pancreatic cancer. Their grit, determination, and efforts deserve a standing ovation. Join us in celebrating their amazing achievement and the impact they’ve made! 

Epic Eric

One of our amazing members, Eric Walton from Acomb Travel, just completed a cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise money for pancreatic cancer. 


Setting off on Friday 23rd May, Eric just completed the epic challenge of cycling 1000+ miles over 14 days with his wife, Sam and trusted furry friend Spikey for roadie support. In 14 days, Eric cycled an incredible 953.86 miles and climbed 52938 ft! 

Eric on his bike

Epic Eric shared some of the highs and lows with us: 


“Just over 18 months ago, I cycled from York to Padstow over 5 days. I really enjoyed the ride, and so in November 2024, I decided I would do the big one, John O'Groats to Land's End. I planned the route and the stopover sites where Sam and our little dog, Spikey, would meet me with the motorhome.  


On 23rd May, I set off from John O' Groats and headed down the coast to Dornoch. My route then took me over to the west side of Scotland and up through Glencoe. 


My last night in Scotland was at Gretna before I cycled down over Shap Fells and overnighted just south of Kendal. Continuing south, I had five more overnight stops before arriving in Devon and facing the hills of both Devon and Cornwall. 


I just had the one night at Lostwithiel before my last 63 miles to Lands End, where Sam and Spikey were waiting to greet me, and it was quite emotional! 

I did enjoy cycling through some lovely towns and villages, but believe me, there are also some pretty grim places. The weather was not kind. I had just one day out of fourteen when it did not rain. The weather in Scotland was appalling, with incessant rain and winds. Travel north to south and you can expect a south-westerly breeze, but some days the gusts were in excess of 35 m.p.h, which makes it very hard work. 


All in all, over 14 days, I cycled 953 miles and climbed 53,482 feet. As I write this article, the total I have raised for 'Three Bears Foundation' is £2,855.” 


The Three Bears Foundation are determined to raise public awareness and funds to further medical research and support the families that have been affected by pancreatic cancer. Their vision is for much faster and more accurate medical diagnosis – and eventually the prevention, effective treatment and cure of this disease. He has already raised £2,835, and donations are still open! 


Find out more about Acomb Travel here and donate to the team here. 

Oasis Travel pedal the periphery

Congratulations to the incredible team at Oasis Travel, who just completed an epic ride around the periphery of Northern Ireland, also in support of Pancreatic Cancer UK – a cause deeply personal to them following the loss of Sandra’s brother, Gary Corkin, a few years ago. They’ve raised an amazing £9,136 already! 

Scott McCabe, Managing Director Oasis Travel said: “This epic endurance event was in support of NIPANC Northern Ireland's ONLY local pancreatic cancer charity! We are on our mission to £10K for this cause, which is so dear to all the team at Oasis. 


We take this on in memory of Gary Corkin, our former Financial Director, and the other members of the Oasis Family who have lost loved ones to this devastating illness.” 

#PedalThePeriphery 2025 is an epic endurance event, with teams cycling nonstop, 480 miles in 48 hours around Northern Ireland. This major fund and awareness-raising fixture, born in 2023, is now a hugely successful annual team fixture for NI's only local pancreatic cancer charity NIPANC. NIPANC has its roots in a group of people affected by pancreatic cancer coming together for support and to raise funds to promote better diagnosis and treatment for future patients.  

Find out more about Oasis Travel here and donate to the team here. 


These are just two examples of fantastic charitable efforts from two Advantage members who have inspired us! Well done to all involved. 


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