Ken’s unique way to honour the memory of his cycling buddy

Epic cycling Challenge

If you ask Google how hard it is to cycle 500km then this is what it tells you: 

“Completing 500 km in a single day is a major physical challenge, often done in ultra-endurance events or by very well-trained cyclists. Breaking the ride into multiple days (e.g., 100 km/day over 5 days) makes it much more manageable.”  

Well, Jigsaw South East supporter Ken Chisholm didn’t take the more manageable option, he jumped straight onto his bike and completed 500km in just 19 hours! He cycled 1,112 laps of Herne Hill Velodrome starting at lunchtime on a chilly December day and cycled overnight finishing shortly after 8am the next morning! What an epic challenge!   

Ken chose to fundraise in memory of his close friend Aran, who tragically died in October 2023 after being involved in a collision with a van when cycling home from work. Ken has heard first hand from Aran’s partner Poppy how the support from Jigsaw South East for their two wonderful young children has been invaluable and this was why he chose to become a Jigsaw fundraiser. 

(L-R: Aran, Ken and friends Ken on a cycling trip, Aran with his two children)

How Jigsaw supported Aran’s Family

We got the chance to ask Poppy about how Jigsaw’s support had helped her family to cope. She told us “ I think back to the first conversation I had with a Jigsaw South East support worker all the time. It felt like I was finally speaking to someone who got it, and actually, rather than feeling more helpless I felt more hopeful. The guidance, support, warmth and positivity has been so valuable and has helped shape how I approach the future for myself and our children. Losing a parent as a child can feel incredibly alienating and Jigsaw has helped my children connect with others like them, so they felt less alone, and helped me ensure they continue to connect with the memory of their amazing father, Aran.” 

Ken and Aran had started cycling together about 15 years ago, they enjoyed experiencing their first long rides together and went on cycling trips abroad and epic days out in the alps. Ken told us “Aran remains in my thoughts every time I swing a leg over the bike, and he will do for the rest of my life.” 

Whilst Ken is a regular cyclist on the track, he wouldn’t normally choose to do it through the night and in the middle of winter. The number one reason he rides is for the headspace, which he tells us has been very much needed after everything that has happened in the last year. He also rides because of the feeling of freedom, seeing the world and meeting people.  

(Ken during the Challenge)

We know this cycling event would have been a challenge both physically and mentally for Ken but we also recognise that anyone who takes on a challenge gains a huge opportunity for personal growth and to prove exactly what they are capable of, huge congratulations to Ken for smashing this challenge on all fronts! Ken told us that Poppy and other family were supporting him throughout the event from the sidelines and he shared that he was emotional at the end of the event, no doubt partially due to the lack of sleep but also due to the immense pride for completing this challenge the money he has raised.  

Poppy went to watch Ken at the event with her children, it was so cold and Poppy thought Ken was mad to cycle all through the night but she realised what a lovely way it was for everyone to connect with Aran’s memory. Poppy said “It made me realise that it can sometimes feel like it’s just you, the immediate family, carrying the feelings of profound loss, but it’s really not. Aran’s friends miss him every day too and we need to support each other. I am pretty sure Ken think’s of Aran every time he rides his bike, which made the fact he was going to do this insanely long ride even more special but also even harder for him.” 

Fundraising success

Ken raised over £1300 for Jigsaw South East and we are so grateful to him for his support. Quite soon after the event Ken told us he was unlikely to do this challenge again, but we’ve got a funny feeling he’ll be back out on that track, cycling long distance events again very soon! 

What will you do to join our fundraising wall of fame? #JSE_100K 

Our final question to Poppy was to ask her what she would say to anyone in a similar situation who is considering getting in touch with Jigsaw South East for support. Poppy said “Finding support is overwhelming, especially when you’re likely dealing with so many other things. Jigsaw SE were instrumental in helping me feel that I could cope and that my children would be ok, better than ok. They are some of the kindest people I have met on this journey and speaking with them will help my children, without a shadow of doubt. The first family event we went to felt daunting as I walked in. That lasted no more than five minutes before we were all having fun (we went trampolining and then had pizza), they were making friends, and I was looking around the room and thinking ‘Wow, look at us all. Showing up for our kids and cherishing life”.   

(Aran, Poppy and their children)

Jigsaw South East provides information and guidance to help support children and young people facing or coping with the death of a loved one. We support families in Surrey, and nearby areas of East and West Sussex and Kent. 

If you would like to know more about the support we provide please visit our pre bereavement or grief support web pages. You can also contact our helpline for families and professionals.  

 Helpline: 01342 313895 | Monday – Friday | 9.30am – 12.30pm