06-05-2025
Record-breaking cyclist to take on 'most ambitious challenge yet'
A DAD who previously set a cycling world record is now preparing for an even bigger challenge - a continuous 2,220-mile ride through every UK county to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Scott Mitchell, 47, cycled through all 48 English counties of England in just eight days in 2023, setting a new Guinness World Record.
Scott, from Endmoor, is now determined to visit all the counties in the UK on his bike in just 15 days, riding at around 170 miles (275km) a day.
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The dad-of-two has described the ride as his 'most ambitious challenge yet' and is inspired by his son Alex, 24, who has lived with his diagnosis of Becker Muscular Dystrophy since he was 14.
Family and friends, including Scott's son Alex, at 2023's record-breaking challenge (Image: Rob Ree) Scott said: "As Alex has got older, his needs have increased and with that, the whole house is in need of further alterations and adaptions in order to help him try and live as normal a life as possible.
"He's now got to the stage where he often cannot stand up, simply due to the muscle weakness, and this is a trend which will continue to impact on him as it develops further.
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"It's heartbreaking. We're even investigating the possibility of an exoskeleton, but these, should they be suitable, are up to £100,000 - money we simply don't have"
"Simply getting off the loo is a struggle that none of us have to even consider - but it's a factor, along with every single aspect in Alex's life.
Record-breaking Scott Mitchell (Image: Scott Mitchell) "This Crowdfunder has a target of £10,000 and is to not only to help maximise fundraising for Alex, but others like him, who need many additional things to operate in life - these include manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, adaptations to houses and adaptations to cars".
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"I fully expect this to be my biggest challenge to date, but I'm choosing to put myself through this - Alex has to endure this, just to try and get by each day."
Scott's challenge has required meticulous planning, from nightly accommodation to ferry connections for the more remote regions.
The 'Cycle the Nation' route (Image: Scott Mitchell) The 'Cycle the Nation' route includes mainland Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides.
Alongside the physical and logistical demands, the dad-of-two continues to work full-time while preparing for the journey, and training around 25 hours a week.
He will not do it alone this time however, as now he will be accompanied by a rather unusual companion.
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"A custom-painted Warhammer Space Marine model will join me through each county," Scott said.
"He was created by YouTuber 'Drunk on Tea' in the colours of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
"The figure will be mounted on my bike for the full journey - possibly making it the first Warhammer model to travel the length and breadth of the UK!
"At the end of the ride, it will be auctioned off, with the YouTuber also donating all advertising revenue from the painting video too."
The model has been given the name 'Cyclus Minor'.
'Cyclus Minor' who will be joining Scott on his journey (Image: Scott Mitchell) Scott's mammoth journey begins in Cornwall on Saturday, May 24, finishing in Kirkby Lonsdale on Saturday, June 7, and will contribute to research aimed at finding a cure, with an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 people in the UK living with similar conditions to Alex.
Supporters can follow Scott's next journey and contribute to the fundraising via his official Crowdfunder page.
