Warrington Hospital surgeon cycles length of UK for charity

James Melling, who works as a consultant general and colorectal surgeon at the trust’s Lovely Lane and Halton sites, has now completed his 1,035-mile, or 1,666km, bike ride.

The mammoth challenge saw him travel from Land’s End – the southernmost point of mainland Britain – to John o’Groats in the far north of Scotland in just 12 days.

James, who lives in Norley, took on the bike ride to give back to his fellow colleagues and patients.

In the process, he has been able to raise more than £4,000 for Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ (WHH) Charity, including a very generous donation from a patient who handed him a cheque of £1,000.

Surgeon James Melling saddled up for the challenge in aid of Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity

Over the course of the journey, James had to battle 23,015m of ascent, which is the equivalent of going up Mount Everest 2.6 times from sea level.

He was not riding alone however, as he was joined by two of his university friends – Martin Kelly and Jim Kidston.

The group had to log more than 100km, or 62 miles, a day in order to finish the challenge in the intended time.

“Thank you to all who donated. It really made a difference and kept me going on the tough days when I was sore,” James said.

“When the weather was rubbish and when we still had many miles to go, despite already being in the saddle for hours, I was not going to let WHH Charity down.

“I would like to say thank you to all my patients and colleagues who inspired me to do this challenge, as well as Andy our support man from Yellow Jersey Cycling Holidays.

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“I would also like to thank Martin and Jim for sharing the experience, and lastly but most importantly, to my wonderful wife for putting up with all my cycling chat for the last six months – you are no longer a cycling widow.”

After the challenge’s end, Helen Higginson, fundraising manager WHH Charity, added: “We wish to congratulate James and his friends for completing this truly incredible personal challenge.

“The fact that James cycled for 12 continuous days, all in aid of our hospitals’ charity, is so very appreciated.

“The funds raised will no doubt have a tremendous impact on our patients.”

You can still sponsor James for a short period, and if you would like to do so, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/james-melling4