Jigsaw Charity Team attempt a new Guinness World Record!

A team of 12 cyclists completed a new Guinness World Record attempt on 26 June 2021 in aid of Jigsaw South East, a child bereavement charity supporting children in Sussex and Surrey.

Although the final ratification has to be completed with Guinness World Record HQ in the coming weeks, the team has confirmed that they have unofficially completed their incredible challenge in 38 hours and 54 minutes: “The fastest relay journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) by bicycle in under 40 hours with a maximum team size of 12 people.”

Adam Hinds, Organiser of the world record attempt comments: “We are beyond delighted to have completed our LEJOG challenge attempt for this new Guinness World Record and to have smashed our fundraising target of £3,600 for Jigsaw South East. As we go to press, the total has exceeded a staggering £12,000 so we are blown away by the support from people! Many of us are fathers and so it was a unanimous decision to support Jigsaw South East. This incredible charity, supporting children who have been bereaved, helps to put the pieces back together for young people at such a devastating time.”

Hinds goes on to explain how the idea took shape: “As many of us have experienced during lockdown, finding a focus and keeping a check on your mental health and wellbeing has been really important. I was talking with a group of friends over a pint about what would be in our bucket lists and this was one of my goals, to attempt to smash a word record! As those who know me will contest, I didn’t even own a bike at this point so the learning curve has been steep! Before I knew it, we had an incredible team of 12 enthusiasts up for the challenge.”

Steven Price, local East Grinstead resident and LEJOG team member continues: “With an average age of 40 years old, we knew we would have to train hard! We have dedicated the last 10 months to increasing our speed and stamina using turbo trainers in anticipation of the hour-long legs we would all complete. An endurance event like this takes a lot of support and we couldn’t have done it without our sponsors: Torq Fitness, who provided a support vehicle and nutrition for the riders; LifeProven Wellbeing Property Consultancy, who provided a support vehicle and support crew; Exposure Lights who provided the night riding team with high performance sports lighting and 51 Degrees Design for their marketing and logistics support.”

Steven Price adds: “Jigsaw South East has seen a huge rise in referrals with so many more children and young people bereaved of a parent or family member during the pandemic, so we wanted to help support this charity to keep their vital services going and ensure every child coping with the devastating loss of a loved one, has the support they need. I would totally recommend to any corporate group, club or bunch of friends to take part in a challenge together for this incredible charity – it is an easy (and mostly enjoyable, except some of the hill climbs) way to show your support.”

Frank Sims, Charity Director of Jigsaw South East added “We are incredibly grateful to the LEJOG Team for completing this inspirational challenge. The £11,400 funds raised will help us to cover the costs of our Preparing for Loss and Grief Support services for more children in the community we serve. Our income was hit heavily by the impact of the pandemic, but we are committed to aim to be there for every child that needs us. With the support of future fundraisers like this incredible team, we know we can continue to do so.”

Jigsaw South East is a registered charity (RCN 1147696 ) supporting children in Sussex and Surrey through the loss of a loved one. We provide information, advice and guidance to help support bereaved children and young people and those facing the death of a loved one.

For further information please contact: 

Sophie Bewley – SophieBewley@jigsawsoutheast.org.uk / 01342 313895

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @JigsawSouthEast