A Merseyside farmer is swapping his tractor for two wheels in an extraordinary effort to raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Andrew Orme, 27, from Prescot, is cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End—an epic 920-mile journey—in memory of his father, Tony, who passed away from cancer when Andrew was just 12.
Though a novice cyclist, Andrew is determined to complete the challenge in just 10 to 14 days. “I need to be back in time for harvest,” he says, highlighting the tight schedule he’s working with.
He won’t be entirely alone on the road. His girlfriend, Liv Bowcock, will be following closely behind in a support vehicle—a tractor affectionately named Ted—decorated in Clatterbridge’s signature green.
Andrew’s journey follows in the tracks of his boss and fellow Merseyside farmer, Olly Harrison, who famously completed the same route last year in a combine harvester. But Andrew wanted to do something different. “I don’t really cycle, so getting on a bike was a real challenge for me,” he admits. “It’s as much about mindset as it is about fitness.”
Despite his limited cycling experience, Andrew has been training hard, clocking up 45–50 miles a week. “Farmers are naturally fit from the work we do, but we don’t often have time for traditional exercise,” he explains.
Andrew and Liv recently bought their own flock of sheep and manage 40 acres of land, so they’re no strangers to the outdoors. Still, he’s hoping for mild weather. “I don’t mind a bit of rain, but I really don’t want it to be too hot,” he says.
Beyond the physical challenge, Andrew’s ride is deeply personal. “When I was 12, my dad lost his battle with cancer. I want to raise money to give other families a fighting chance,” he shares. “I’ve always said I’d do this ride, and this year felt like the right time.”
He plans to make a pit stop at his farm in Prescot on July 4th, with Olly helping him plan the route.
Ellie Gilbert, Community Fundraiser for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, praised Andrew’s efforts: “It’s a huge undertaking, and we’re so proud of him. Thanks to people like Andrew, we can support the one in two people in our region affected by cancer.”
Support Andrew’s Journey
If you’d like to sponsor Andrew and support Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, visit: justgiving.com/team/andrewcycle
Want to take on your own fundraising challenge? Find out more at clatterbridgecharity.org/events
