In September Laurence Brophy completed Land's End to John O'Groats for a second time, a year after his first effort, having been told another 87-year-old had completed the route. Brophy wanted the record outright so had another shot this year completing the challenge in 22 days, three days faster than his first attempt. The 88-year-old raised money for Llamau, a Welsh charity that support the homeless, and slept rough to raise awareness. Brophy's JustGiving page has so far raised £6,134.
He said: "Last year, aged 87, I completed a solo cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats, sleeping rough on the way to raise awareness and funds for the amazing work Llamau does. They work mainly with Young People up to the age of 25 and Women, who have experienced great difficulties in their lives, providing a safe place to stay and support to overcome their challenges.
"I completed the challenge wondering if I was the oldest, at 87, to do this? However another 87 year old also completed the route that year, on a Brompton Bike no less.
"This year, starting the 16th August 2020, I not only hope to be the oldest person at 88, to complete the route, again at times sleeping rough along the way, having had more than a little trouble getting my bike home by train last year, I intend to take the easier option of also CYCLING BACK!"