Runner Julian joins epic ride for Honeypot young carers’ respite charity fundraiser

WORLD class long-distance runner Julian Goater joined a team of cyclists including an influencer and his cat for an epic ride in aid of the Honeypot Children’s Charity.

The 71-year-old, who remains an active coach, athlete and author, joined the riders in Honeypot’s first-ever ‘House to House Cycle’, travelling 225 miles in four days from one of their residential respite houses in the New Forest to another in Pen-y-Bryn, mid Wales.

John Pocock, philanthropist and long-time supporter of Honeypot, and Sir Jim Smith, the president of the Zoological Society of London, also took part.

Mr Pocock conceived the idea for House to House after taking on John O’Groats to Lands End for Honeypot in 2022, and raising more than £100,000 with his son Jamie.

He said: “I want to see this event grow year on year to help Honeypot reach more young carers so they too can create happy childhood memories and build brighter futures.”

They were joined by influencer Travis Nelson, who is famous for cycling everywhere with his cat, Sigrid. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram, many of their fans came out along the route to cheer them on.

Julian said: “I enjoyed the physical challenge, but also riding in places I’ve never ridden in before. Particularly enjoyed the comradery of keeping everyone together and riding as a team. That way the miles flew by!”

Before setting off, each cyclist was paired with one of Honeypot’s young carers, who are currently looking after a loved who is sick or disabled. Julian was matched with a little girl called Mia, who is 10 and helps her family care for her two older brothers, who live with a life-limiting condition.

Honeypot chief executive Simmi Woodwall thanked the riders and said: “We hope that this will be the first of many House to House cycling events to come, and we invite anyone and everyone to join us.”

To join Honeypot’s House to House Cycle in 2025, email events@honeypot.org.uk or call 020 3838 1473.