Sam Wheeler is set to take on the two-day cycling challenge in August, riding from Beckenham to New Polzeath in Cornwall – a gruelling 257-mile route.
The ride, taking place on August 15 and 16, is aimed at raising funds for Momentum Children’s Charity, which has been supporting Isla and her family since her diagnosis in March 2024.
Isla, the daughter of one of Sam’s closest friends, was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2024.
You can donate to the GoFundMe here
The news came just a day after she had been at Sam’s house.
“She was round our house the day before and was a little under the weather with bruises,” Sam said.
“That evening, mum went home and said something wasn’t right.
“She was taken to hospital the next day and we got the phone call.”
Now, Sam wants to show Isla what perseverance looks like – especially after he first attempted the same route nearly a decade ago and didn’t make it.
Sam explained: “I wanted to give back to Isla and do something different.
“So, I thought I’d get a bit of redemption, try again, and raise money for it.”
His ride will follow a route roughly parallel to the A303, passing through Somerset, covering around 257 miles over two days.
“My father-in-law first done this journey and I naively said I’d do it with him, despite no training,” Sam said.
“Turns out, it’s not as easy as it seems.”
Now a dad to a three-and-a-half-year-old and a one-year-old, Sam is fitting in his training when he can – usually during commutes, early mornings, or after work.
“I usually do higher intensity rides rather than long distance,” he said.
So far, his GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly £4,000, with a target of £15,000.
Sam added: “I put the target quite high as you never know what you’re going to get.
“People have been so generous, I think it’s touched the people who know the family and know the situation.
“Everyone has got behind it which has been so lovely.”
Sam describes Isla as having “a special place” among their friendship group, as the first baby born within their circle.
“She’s gone through lots of chemotherapy and stays in hospital with her parents,” he said.
A detailed route will be shared closer to the ride, and Sam hopes people will come out to cheer him on – or even join him for a stretch.
“I’ve got an Instagram where people can follow my progress and see pictures of the ride on the day,” he added.
