Inspirational fundraiser Callum Fairhurst has fulfilled the promise he made to his Mother by returning home for Christmas after passing the half-way point on his mammoth 18,000 mile charity cycling challenge.
Callum, from Soham, embarked on the global challenge in Australia in July, and has cycled through New Zealand, Thailand and Cambodia before returning to Europe for the winter.
The cyclist returned back to the UK this week, and wheeled into Cambridge city centre this morning (December 18) where he spoke to BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.
He said: “I’m so thin; I’ve lost a stone! Anyone that knows me knows I don’t have the weight to lose but I’m in relatively good shape.”
“My body over the last couple of weeks in Europe has been slowly wearing away on me but my knees are fine and everything else is ok, so I think I’ve got another five months in me.”
Callum’s cycle – which is due to end in April – is in aid of the Liam Fairhurst Foundation, a cause that Callum set up in memory of his brother Liam, who lost his battle with cancer in 2009.
Liam was responsible for raising £340,000 directly and a further £7 million by heading a campaign to help disadvantaged young people who suffer from cancer and illness before his death.
Callum’s world-wide cycle trip has raised over £17,000 so far, with five months of the trip still to come – but only after the fundraiser has enjoyed some time off in Soham with his family.
“I made a promise to my Mum that I would be home for Christmas so that meant I had to go through Europe in the winter which was tough, but meant I’d be able to fulfil my promise by being back for Christmas day,” he said.
Following his chat with BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, the 18-year-old mounted the saddle and cycled from John Lewis in Cambridge to Soham, where he stopped by at his old primary school for a few festive mince pies.
Callum is set to continue his mammoth trip in the New Year; restarting in the UK before travelling to the west coast of America then onto Mexico, Cuba and finally cycling down the east coast and finishing in New York in April.
To donate to the Liam Fairhurst Foundation, please visit Callum’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/WorldCycle.
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