'Not easy during Covid'- Chesterfield cyclist's 200 mile trip to coast in aid of children's cancer charity

Dean Hopkinson tackled the feat on a ‘cheap, second hand bike on a bit of a whim’ in aid of the Wish Upon a Star charity, which grants wishes to children living with life-threatening illnesses.

The 37-year-old documented his journey via his YouTube channel Expedition Dean and completed the challenge in three days.

The first day saw Dean cycle 75 miles and grapple with ‘boiling hot weather’ as he headed from Chesterfield to Clumber Park and then onto Lincoln.

It took 25 miles to reach Cleethorpes on day two, and after an overnight stay at a guest house Dean was determined to achieve the 140km ride home in a single day.

“This would be my toughest ride to date but I surprisingly felt great,” he said.

"The first 30 miles back to the campsite on day one felt really comfortable and I was loving the scenery and feeling more relaxed.

"Then disaster struck- the back wheel seized and was only just rideable. I pushed the bike the final 20 miles, only jumping on to do the off road parts. At 10pm I was home.

“This is something I would do again and I'm so grateful to everyone who donated along the way. Let's hope it makes someone’s wish come true.

"The charity is extremely close to my heart and I hope to raise as much as possible for them."

You can still donate to Dean’s JustGiving page click here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/expeditiondean

To watch the journey visit Dean’s Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtrHFdWScEVZHgAB6ICMb1Q

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