Cycling enthusiast, Hannah Johns is pedaling a whopping 150 kilometres from Great Yarmouth to Clacton-on-Sea to raise funds for Mid and North East Essex Mind and awareness for Wheels for All. The cycle ride is part of the ‘Three Counties, Seven Piers’ challenge where 50 cyclists will power through three counties on 9 June 2024.
Hannah is a Regional Manager for the national inclusive cycling charity, Wheels for All. The organisation is an inclusive cycling charity which promotes cycling through a range of successful community engagement programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis; through help, support and guidance.
Hannah explains: “Wheels for All Tendring have a number of cycling hubs across the district offering safe space cycling, where disabled people, people with a long-term health condition or those recovering from injury or illness can come to and use our adapted cycles, we are looking for storage along the seafront so we can offer cycling along the promenade. Our aim is to make cycling accessible to everyone.
“Since we set-up in the area, we’ve provided a number of people with recumbent trikes to support them on their health and wellbeing journey, we have a variety of adapted cycles such as trikes, handcycles, side-by-side tandems and wheelchair carriers to help people keep active and experience the great outdoors. Many people in our hubs have made new friendships, met like-minded people, and really blossomed.”
She continued: “I’ve only been cycling for just over a year and my longest ride has been 50 kilometres, so this will be a big challenge for me!”
Exercise is well-known to support mental wellbeing; when people cycle their body releases endorphins, a ‘happy hormone’, which naturally boosts mental health.
Ginny Idehen, CEO, Mid and North East Essex Mind, is keen to highlight the impact of moving more on mental wellbeing. She said: “We’re so grateful to Hannah for supporting our charity. She’s such a great example to others, keeping herself fit, as well as raising awareness of the importance of keeping everyone active.”
Mid and North East Essex Mind still have a few spaces on the ‘Three Counties, Seven Piers’ challenge. To sign-up, entrants need to pay a £37 registration fee and commit to raising a minimum of £370 sponsorship. Participants will receive full support before and during the ride, from training advice given by British Cycling-approved coaches through to medical and mechanical assistance on the day, if required.
To sign-up to the fundraising event, contact [email protected]. or visit
