Lawnmower man cuts a path to John O'Groats to beat record

A charity lawnmower ride across the UK ended at John O'Groats last week to beat the previous record, claims a spokesperson for the Bourne to Ride Charity challenge.

Travelling at a maximum of 12mph for 880 miles at 20 hours per day, Bourne to Garden founder, Colin North, drove a ride-on-mower from Iseki, and claims to have beaten the previous record of 5 days and 8 hours from Lands End to John O Groats (Lejog), managing to complete the bid in just 4 days 6 hours and 9 minutes.

The team including a support van and overnight driver, received "amazing local and national support" on the way and a boost to the fundraising. Colin, managing director of Bourne to Garden says “most drivers gave us the thumbs up and giving us friendly toots as they overtook us”.

During this gruelling journey Colin stopped for refreshments and showers, battled heavy rain, wrapped up in a duvet to handle sitting and driving in the cold nights. “The toughest part was probably the mosquitoes in Scotland, waves of them hitting my face.” He wrapped up and used goggles to protect himself again. “We also had a loose wheel nut and puncture on the way but were able to sort these on the road side without too many delays."

Colin continued: “The idea started from wanting to raise money for MND, following my wife’s late father suffering with this illness. I wanted to do something a bit different to raise awareness but also raise money for the research this charity funds into this cruel disease. As I own a company that uses tractors and mowers all day long maintaining holiday parks, sports fields, community areas, schools and colleges across the South East."

The first of the three charities who will benefit from Bourne to Ride is MNDA, who fund essential research into Motor Neurone Disease (MND) to establish a cure for this life shortening illness.

Colin, business owner and a Freemason in East Kent for 24 years, is the Charity Steward of his lodge and as such raising funds for good causes is his passion. The Masonic Charitable Foundation donated £21.5 million last year to people in need as well as donating over £51million to charitable organisations. They have adapted and developed their range of support to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society during the pandemic.

The third charity is Kenward Trust, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity based in Yalding, Kent that help people on their recovery journey and offer essential housing for the homeless. The goal is to raise £10k for each of the three charities.

To donate please click https://gofund.me/2e8249e6 For more information about the Lejog ride go to www.bournetogarden.com

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