Janet’s journey: more than 335 miles
One of our own — Janet — has just finished an astonishing cycling challenge to raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care. What began as a 335-mile “Cycle France” route through Normandy and Brittany turned into approximately 400 miles by the time she pedalled back from Plymouth into Cornwall. JustGiving
She says the return ride was probably the toughest leg: steep hills, heavy rain, and gusty winds made every mile a battle. But she pushed through — aided by a group of cyclists who, she says, are now dear friends forged over long days in the saddle.
Why this ride matters
- Supporting Cornwall Hospice Care. Janet’s ride is part of the charity’s Cycle France challenge, which is a multi-day, fully supported event raising funds for Cornwall’s adult hospice services. Cornwall Hospice Care
- Personal resilience. Interestingly, Janet undertook this after recovering from a shoulder dislocation and ruptured tendons just two months earlier — a testament to her grit. JustGiving
- Fundraising achievements. So far, she has raised in excess of £1,200 for the hospice. She’s still accepting donations via her JustGiving page. JustGiving
Each £24 raised goes toward one hour of nursing care in Cornwall’s hospices (St Julia’s in Hayle and Mount Edgcumbe in St Austell). JustGiving
The challenge of the route
Here’s a rough map of her journey:
| Segment | Approx Distance | Conditions & Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Normandy → Brittany | ~335 miles total (over 4 days) | Rolling French lanes, variable weather, long days in saddle |
| Return leg (Plymouth → Cornwall) | ~60-70 extra miles (rounding total to ~400) | Steep Cornish hills, wind, rain, fatigue |
By the time she hit Cornwall’s hills, her legs had already logged hundreds of miles — so imagine the grit required to push on.
Words from Janet
“After 4 epic days cycling in Normandy and Brittany, the return ride to the Hospice from Plymouth was probably the most challenging in terms of hills, heavy rain and gusty winds. But I made it with an amazing group of people who have now become friends. Thanks so much to everyone who has donated.”
That sense of camaraderie is one of the richest rewards. She didn’t ride alone — but alongside a community of supporters, fellow cyclists, and donors.
How Carn Runners and readers can support
- Donate. Her JustGiving page is still live: Janet’s JustGiving
- Share. Share her story on social media to spread awareness for both her achievement and the hospice cause.
- Join a future ride. Cornwall Hospice Care runs Cycle France events (Normandy → Brittany → Cornwall) and often needs participants. Cornwall Hospice Care
- Inspire others. Let Janet’s ride motivate others in Carn Runners to take on challenges, big or small.
Reflections and takeaways
- Big goals can start as “just one pedal stroke.” Janet’s ride reminds us how incremental miles add up.
- Challenge + purpose = powerful motivation. The knowledge that every mile helps a hospice gives extra fuel when legs get heavy.
- The right group matters. Janet highlights how “friends in the saddle” made a difficult ride more manageable.
- Recovery is possible. Coming back from injury to ride ~400 miles is no small feat.
Janet, we are all immensely proud of you. You embody the spirit of Carn Runners — dedication, resilience, community.
If you haven’t already, please visit her JustGiving page and donate whatever you can. Whether it’s £5 or £50, every bit helps Cornwall Hospice Care continue its vital work.
Let’s cheer her on — and let her ride inspire others in the club (and beyond) to set their own bold goals.
