Epic European cycle and run helps Salisbury charity save young lives

A Salisbury man has cycled from London to Prague before running his first marathon – all to raise money for the charity he works for.

Mike Partridge, 27, of Bemerton Heath, cycled 1,350 kilometres in 11 days and then ran the Berlin Marathon a day later in just three hours 27 minutes.

The gruelling challenge has raised nearly £1,500 for the Salisbury-based charity Hope and Homes for Children – for which Mike is a professional fundraiser.

The local charity works in ten countries across Central and Eastern Europe and Africa, closing children institutions and moving children into loving families.

Mike said he was thrilled to have been able to help his charity outside of working hours, but was looking forward to returning to his desk job after such a gruelling time pedalling and jogging.

“I realised I had far too much energy for a normal person so instead of relaxing on my holidays I decided to set myself this challenge,” explained Mike.

“I did it with my friend James Regan and we covered 120 kilometres a day on our bikes - picking up no less than seven tyre punctures along the way.

“When we set off from Manningtree, near Colchester, we were supposed to be cycling to Berlin, but we ended up changing our route to Prague as we made better progress than we thought.”

The pair camped in open countryside, farms and gardens by night, before setting off bright and early each morning – often cycling for up to 10 hours a day.

Mike added: “On our first night we asked a couple in Arnhem, Holland, for water - they ended up inviting us to camp in their garden, while allowing us to use their shower, toilet, sauna and swimming pool!

“Throughout the challenge we were touched by all the support we received – from people offering food and water on our cycle, to those who cheered us on so enthusiastically during the marathon.

“We were also humbled by the amount of people who sponsored us and I hope we’ve made them proud.

“The saddle sores and blisters feel worthwhile in the knowledge my sponsorship money is certainly going such a worthwhile cause – closing down institutions and reuniting vulnerable children with their families, or placing them foster or adoptive families.”

There is still time to sponsor Mike.