The experience of our Executive Director, James Whateley.
As I reflect on the last 10 years of Bike the UK for MS, I’m filled with immense pride and gratitude. What started as a small idea—a dream born on the roads of America—has grown into something I never could have imagined.
We’ve pedaled thousands of miles, forged lifelong friendships, and made a tangible difference for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) across the UK. This decade has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have forever shaped us as a community.
Where It All Began
The story of Bike the UK for MS began back in 2012 when, as a 19-year-old beginner cyclist, I set out to ride across America on the TransAmerica Trail. On day one, I unknowingly crossed paths with a team wearing matching jerseys—Bike the US for MS, founded by Don Fraser, who started the organisation for his mum, Nina, who was living with MS.
For weeks, I rode alongside Don and his team, experiencing their camaraderie, generosity, and passion for raising awareness of MS. I was invited to their MS community meet-ups, camped with the team, and witnessed firsthand the difference they were making. It wasn’t long before I knew I wanted to bring that same mission home to the UK.
In 2014, we set off on our first ride: John O’Groats to Land’s End. What started as an idea for a small group of friends grew to a team of 12 riders—8 alumni from Bike the US for MS and 4 friends from the University of Bath, including Felix Young, now our Programme Manager. It was a tough route we’d designed ourselves, taking on brutal climbs and quiet back roads, but the friendships formed and challenges overcome made it unforgettable.
10 Years of Impact
Since that first ride, we’ve achieved more than I ever dreamed possible:
- 175,000 miles collectively cycled.
- Over 350 riders have become part of our alumni family.
- More than £650,000 raised to support people living with MS.
- Support provided to 25 local MS groups across the UK.
- Contributions to groundbreaking research like the Octopus Trial, aiming to transform treatment for progressive MS.
“The Octopus Trial aims to deliver life-changing treatments for progressive MS up to three times faster, giving hope to thousands of people living with MS today.”
Supporting Local MS Groups
From the beginning, we wanted our rides to have a direct impact on the MS community. The funds you’ve raised have supported everything from:
- Adapted cycling sessions that help reduce MS symptoms and reconnect people to the joy of cycling.
- Seated exercise classes (in-person and virtual) to keep people active and connected.
- Home modifications—like wet rooms and mobility grants—to help maintain independence.
- Social meetups to combat isolation, particularly in rural areas like Scotland and Wales, where access to support can be more challenging.
The East Cumbria MS Group is one example of how your efforts are making a difference. With funds raised, they’ve provided adaptive cycling opportunities, funded group activities like nature reserve trips, and supported weekend adventures at Calvert Trust Keswick. These moments offer freedom, connection, and hope to people living with MS.
Stories That Inspire Us
The heart of Bike the UK for MS lies in the stories of our riders and the MS community we support.
Dan Derbyshire
Dan rode the Sea to Sea route in 2022 in honor of his father, who taught him to ride a bike before being diagnosed with relapsing MS. Dan shared:
“I chose Bike the UK for MS because of the close relationships they have with the MS groups they meet along the routes and the research they help to fund. I know firsthand how much this can help every individual and their families.”
Dan returned as a Route Leader in 2023, inspired by the support and camaraderie he experienced.
Teresa and Linda
When Terri was diagnosed with Primary Progressive MS, it threatened the active lifestyle she and Linda loved. But with the help of their tandem e-bike, Lill-e, they took on the Sea to Sea ride, raising £2,800.
Terri went on to now coordinate her local MS group, providing others with support and opportunities to stay active.
Mark Sinclair
Mark, a former Guinness World Record holder, cycled Land’s End to John O’Groats on a trike and proposed to his girlfriend at the finish line. Shortly after, as MS progressed, he transitioned to using a wheelchair. Through funds raised, we were able to help Mark purchase a racing wheelchair, and he now competes in marathons across the UK. His mantra remains:
“When I can’t continue, I adapt.”
The Highs, the Lows, and the Community We’ve Built
Every ride brings its challenges—brutal winds on the North Coast, relentless rain on Land’s End to John O’Groats, midges in Scotland, and fog so thick you can’t see more than a few feet ahead. But it’s in these moments that we find the strength to push through, remembering that every day is a challenge of far greater magnitude for someone living with MS.
One particularly memorable moment came on the North Coast 500 in Scotland. As our team climbed the infamous Bealach na Bà, the weather turned against us—fierce winds and freezing rain tested everyone’s resolve. Our Route Leaders, always thinking on their feet, sprang into action. After cheering riders to the summit, they quickly set up a pop-up café in a lay-by, complete with hot drinks and makeshift “seating” fashioned from bin liners. Seeing the relief and laughter on riders’ faces in that small moment of warmth was unforgettable.
These challenges often bring us closer together as a team, creating bonds that carry far beyond the finish line. It’s these friendships that I’m most proud of. Over the years, we’ve seen lifelong friendships, relationships, and even marriages blossom on the road. David and Issy from our 2018 John O’Groats to Land’s End team tied the knot this year, and Felix and Emily, alumni from our original 2014 ride, have shared their own incredible journey together.
Riders return year after year, not just for the challenge but to reconnect with a community that feels like family. As our alumni riders shared:
“The friendships I’ve made on these rides are unlike anything else. You go through the highs and lows together, and that brings a bond that lasts forever.”
“I never thought I could cycle 1,000 miles, but the support I received from the Route Leaders and fellow riders made me believe in myself. It’s a life-changing experience.”
The Unsung Heroes: Our Route Leaders
Behind every rider’s journey is a team of Route Leaders—volunteers who keep the wheels turning, literally and figuratively. They’re the ones setting up camps, fixing mechanical issues, cheering on the sidelines, and helping riders tackle challenges that feel insurmountable.
As multiple-time Route Leader Joanna Goodhead explains:
“Your job is to help people reach goals they never thought they could reach. And when they do, that’s your reward—and it’s almost better than doing it yourself.”
Reflections and Looking Ahead
Running Bike the UK for MS full-time since 2017 has been a turning point in my life. The challenges we’ve faced—COVID-19, the cost of living crisis, and changes to the charity sector—haven’t been easy, but the support of our alumni, volunteers, and riders has kept us moving forward.
Looking ahead, I want to see us:
- Grow our rider community: Help us spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues.
- Strengthen our alumni network: The friendships built here are the foundation of everything we do.
- Become the UK’s leading MS cycling fundraiser: Offering unique, unforgettable adventures while supporting people living with MS and funding life-changing research.
Join Us in 2025: Be Part of the Next Chapter
The past 10 years have been an incredible ride, but we’re just getting started. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Join us for a ride in 2025: Take on Land’s End to John O’Groats, North Coast 500, Lon Las Cymru, or one of our other unforgettable routes.
- Spread the word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to sign up, volunteer, or support us.
- Volunteer: Consider becoming a Route Leader or helping us grow the charity behind the scenes.
Together, we can continue to make a difference for those living with MS. Let’s take on the next 10 years, one mile, one connection, and one adventure at a time.
Thank You
To every rider, volunteer, donor, and supporter who has been part of this journey: thank you. Your dedication has brought us this far, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together in the years to come.
Sea to Sea 2023 Riders meeting the East Cumbria MS Society Group – photo credits: Ella Miles
