Ride for Hughie cycle challenge in memory of Hugh Freeland

Jon Swannell and his team will soon be embarking on a London to Salcombe cycle over two days to raise money in memory of beloved friend Hugh Freeland, who sadly lost his life to osteosarcoma on 10th April 2022.

The funds raised from the 405km challenge will be split equally between the Bone Cancer Research Trust and Winchester Hospice, both of which supported Hugh during his treatment and end-of-life care.

They will be completing the route over two days on the 22nd and 23rd July. Day one will involve a 140km cycle from London to Winchester, finishing at the hospice, while day two will see them cycle a mammoth 275km from Winchester to Salcombe!

Some of the team have been taking their pre-challenge training very seriously by cycling the Grand Balloon located in the Vosges mountain region in France, and also took part in the Maratona – a one day event in the Italian Dolomites.

Winchester father-of-two Hugh was a much-loved man and true inspiration who courageously faced a recurrence of osteosarcoma, even setting up a clothing line, Hughie's, from his hospice bed whilst receiving palliative care. A percentage of the profits from Hughie's will be donated to the Bone Cancer Research Trust in memory of its founder.

Hugh and Jon had participated in several charity events together over the years, and now Jon has promised to continue fundraising in Hugh's memory. He will be joined on the London to Salcombe cycle by Hugh's brother, Charlie, alongside a handful of friends.

Louise Everett, Community & Special Funds Fundraising Officer at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said:

I would like to say a huge thank you and good luck to Jon and his friends for taking on this incredible challenge, it is a heartfelt tribute to Hugh by cycling to one of the places that meant most to him. We are honoured to be sharing the money with Winchester Hospice and will use our share of the generous donations to continue our vital work, so that no other family should have to suffer like Hugh's.