Kevin’s LEJOG 25 July to 9 August 2026

Background

Setting myself a challenge 10 years ago I am seeking to achieve this again as I approach my 70th Birthday in August. I am a keen cyclist still enjoying occasional endurance rides, regular training rides with Andover Wheelers CC and the occasional 10 mile Time Trial at Thruxton….

I continue to be busy in retirement with a number of roles as well as enjoying more relaxing times. Ahead of a full year from April 2027 as Master Designate of City Livery Company, The Worshipful Company of Woolmen, an epic bike ride from Land's End to John O’Groats, circa 1,000 miles at 70 per day for my 70th birthday raising funds for charities, seems like a good plan …. Training now ramping up.

I have chosen three charities from the many good causes I seek to support as listed below with reasons why and how with your help how we would make an impact.

Charities I am seeking to support

I intend that donations are split equally between the following three charities, hoping you follow my fundraising page your donation will be merged with others so that each charity benefits fairly:

• The Woolmen’s Company CIO – Charity number 1188231
• Lord Wandsworth College (LWC Foundation) – Charity number 1143359
• Abby’s Heroes – Charity number 1170676

In the following sections I explain for each charity - my connection, a brief summary of their work and the impact a donation from you can make.

The Woolmen’s Company CIO

I have been involved in the Livery Sector for over 50 years as an accountant advising and auditing companies and their charities and for about 40 of these in different ways connected with The Worshipful Company of Woolmen and its charity. I gained City of London Freedom and became a Woolman in 2010 and shall be The Master Designate from April 2027.

As trustee and treasurer of the charity I know that donations from Woolmen and the annual Woolmen Sheep Drive and Livery Fair enable us to primarily help those involved in Wool based education, research and innovation. Funds raised during my ride will help us to continue to ensure that the value of wool is understood to be a natural sustainable fibre …there is no substitute for wool.

www.woolmen.com/charity

Lord Wandsworth College (LWC Foundation)

I have worked with the College and its Foundation for 10 years and have been proud to be a governor since 2024. The difference that the two schools make in providing pupils attending both LWC and St Neots is incredible, a team effort with a fantastic team led by Headmaster Adam Williams, parents and supporters including parents and Sternians (alumni).

When established just over 100 years ago and to this day, LWC has, through its Foundation, supported children who have lost the support of one or both parents - primarily through bereavement - to benefit from this brilliant educational opportunity. 55 pupils a year are supported by The Foundation and my ride will help make a difference for them, presentations made by current and former pupils at Foundation Day are truly touching.

www.lordwandsworth.org/support/the-foundation

Abby’s Heroes

I first came across this amazing charity about two years ago Networking in Romsey in Hampshire. When I first learned about the support given to South Coast families who were facing life changing, limiting and sadly shortened young lives of their children this has become my local charity of choice.

The Charity was founded by Sally and Dave Randall after their daughter Abby was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer, in 2013 aged 8 years and 10 months, she slipped away in 2016. Quoting from the Charity’s Mission statement “The aim of the charity is to help and support children and their families who come under the care of the Piam Brown and the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) wards in Southampton General Hospital.”

A small charity making a huge difference, your help in supporting my ride for this charity will enable them to continue the great support they provide to children and their families.

https://abbysheroes.org/

www.abbysheroes.org/videos

The ask

It would be great if you could donate to support my ride it would be very kind of you,

and your support will help keep me motivated over this very long trip and add to the

pots to help these great causes.

Thank you

Kevin A Barwick