BROTHERS Sam and Olly Shone are cycling nearly 500 miles from Bristol to Fort William in Scotland, to honour their late father Phil.
The pair are no strangers to challenge and determination: Olly plays for the Bristol Pitbulls Ice Hockey Team, while Sam is a former Pitbulls player.
While they were growing up, their dad was always there to cheer them, but he died after struggling for many years with alcohol misuse.
Sam, 34, and Olly, 32, decided to take on the 770km ride, which they have dubbed Cycling the NaShone, to raise money for the charity Alcohol Change as a tribute to Phil’s love of cycling and adventure.
“Our dad always loved cycling,” said Sam, who lives in Warmley.
“He told us stories of his adventures, camping trips, and long rides. By taking on this challenge, we’re continuing his journey and shining a light on a cause close to our hearts.”
The destination was chosen because Fort William was the location of one of family’s most memorable holidays.
Sam is a Year 3 teacher at Staple Hill Primary School and the ride, with the support of their mum Liz and other family and friends, was due to be undertaken during the half-term break in the last week of May
He said his pupils were very excited about the challenge.
“They are very enthusiastic about it. We’ve even managed to tie it in with some learning around some geography of the UK,” he said.
To find out the latest about the ride, check out the brothers’ Instagram page @cycling_the_nashone
To contribute, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/shone-boys-cycle-to-scotland