Bourne to Ride Charity challenge has beaten the previous record for driving from Lands End to John O’Groats on a ride on mower from Iseki.

Travelling at a maximum of 12mph for 880 miles, for 20 hours per day, Bourne to Garden founder, Colin North, driving a ride on mower from Iseki, has beaten the previous record of 5 days 8 hours from Lands End to John O Groats in 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 over took us”.

During this gruelling journey Colin has 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”. This exciting tough fundraiser has caught the interest and endorsement from local and national media including Radio 1 & 2. The team have been putting out ‘at the moment’ pictures and video to encourage support and donations locally and nationally.

Colin, continues; “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. MND affects the nerves called motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. These nerves tell your muscles what to do. When motor neurones are damaged, it can affect the way your body works. MND is a progressive illness that Colin has first-hand knowledge of as his father-in-law suffered for many years before his death in 2014 and why he wanted to raise money for this worthwhile charity.

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 last year £21.5 million 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. They help people on their recovery journey and offer essential housing for the homeless.

The goal is to raise £30k but they are hoping for more, so each charity would receive £10k; you can make donations here.

Colin also had a chat with Vernon on BBC Radio 2 about this challenge, which you can listen to here.

For more information about the route, please visit Bourne to Garden’s website.