Cyclist, 88, tackles Land’s End to John o’Groats ride for second time after missing out on record

An 88-year-old man is cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats for the second time in an attempt to become the oldest person to conquer the famous route.

Laurence Brophy completed the epic challenge last year at the age of 87, travelling 874 miles in 25 days in the process.

But he found out shortly afterwards that another 87-year-old had recently completed the route - robbing him of the outright title.

“I completed the challenge wondering if I was the oldest, at 87, to do this? However another 87 year old also completed the route that year, on a Brompton Bike no less,” he posted on his GoFundMe page.

“This year, starting the 16th August 2020, I not only hope to be the oldest person at 88, to complete the route, again at times sleeping rough along the way, having had more than a little trouble getting my bike home by train last year, I intend to take the easier option of also CYCLING BACK!”

Brophy will start this year’s challenge by cycling from his home in Pencoed, Wales down to Land’s End before turning north and cycling to John o’Groats - and then all the way home.

He estimates the entire journey will be around 2,000 miles long and expects the coronavirus crisis will provide added complications.

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“Another challenge this year is going to be one of finding places to eat, pick up supplies, or find a bed for the night if the weather turns nasty, with the restrictions due to Coronavirus,” he continued.

“This only highlights just how hard it must be for Young People or people of any age to survive without a safe place to stay during such a challenging time!”

Brophy managed to raise £6,050 for Welsh homeless charity Llamau with last year’s trip and has already raised more than that for this year’s challenge.

“I hope you will support my challenge and the work that Llamau do by giving generously!” he added.

“You will be helping to provide desperately needed support for the most vulnerable people in our society at a time when it's especially hard for charities like Llamau to make ends meet and carry on doing their invaluable work.”