I could have quite happily carried out this cycle purely for the sake of an adventure, with minimal online attention and little thought for a plan. But in a strange way that felt like a selfish attitude, and instead I’ve decided I am going to try to make a lasting difference for people who can barely even dream about the opportunity that lays before me.
After years of thinking, planning and dreaming of what I could do to make the best possible impact, I have decided to partner with and support smaller charities that are located along my route. Having lived experience of small charities doing incredible work for their communities with very little funding and often little recognition.
Partnering with NGOs that have a focus on topics close to my heart, such as environmental conservation, refugee support and poverty alleviation.
Please take a moment to have a look at the charities I have chosen to support and partner with, and any donations would be greatly appreciated.
***Please Note** * All donations are collected by The Pickwell foundation, who will collect and split all donations equally between the chosen charities at the end of the cycle.
Charities
About Earth Action North Devon (Reg No: 1182464):
Earth Action North Devon is on a mission to protect and improve our environment through community action.
Launched with a simple aim: to tackle plastic pollution head-on by raising awareness, reducing consumption and clearing waste from the environment. Their remit has since evolved and expanded. Through education, events, campaigns and networks, today they’re dedicated to inspiring reconnection with nature, driving sustainable behaviour change and accelerating environmental action across North Devon to foster a healthier relationship between people and the natural world.
About Transformational Enterprise Network:
TEN is a community of business people using their skills and resources to develop enterprise solutions to poverty: tackling poverty while maintaining dignity and avoiding dependence. We do this by training some of the poorest people on the planet to create income streams for themselves, to put food on the table and send their kids to school. Many go on to train others. We also mentor, support and encourage social entrepreneurs creating more substantial “impact” enterprises that create jobs and model integrity.
Funds donated from ‘The Long Ride East’ will be particularly focused on poverty alleviation along the route, especially in Central Asia.
About the Zoological Society Luujin:
ZS Luujin is a dedicated non-governmental organization (NGO) working to protect and conserve Mongolia’s wildlife and their habitats. Through scientific research, education, and collaboration with government and community-based organisations, they strive to safeguard endangered species, combat illegal wildlife trade, and strengthen protected area management. With a vision of a Mongolia where wildlife thrives, they work towards a sustainable future where nature and communities coexist in harmony.
About The Pickwell Foundation:
The Pickwell Foundation is a UK charity working to build a more welcoming, resilient and sustainable society where both people and the planet can thrive. Rooted in North Devon but delivering impact nationally, the Foundation supports people displaced by conflict while also backing organisations tackling the climate crisis.
Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded millions of pounds in grant funding to charities and organisations in the UK and internationally, while also directly supporting refugee resettlement, asylum seekers and vulnerable families. Its work includes community sponsorship programmes, Welcome Hubs, housing initiatives and climate action projects that address the interconnected challenges facing both people and the planet.