When World Bicycle Relief fundraiser Charlie Pilkington set himself the challenge of riding more than 400 kilometres across all four home nations in just 24 hours, he knew it would test his endurance, planning and determination.

Starting in Corwen, North Wales, Charlie cycled through Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, covering 406 kilometres, climbing 3,626 metres and spending almost 16 hours in the saddle. Along the way, he rode through sunshine, mist and rain, crossed the Irish Sea on a midnight ferry and grabbed less than two hours of sleep before setting off on the final leg of his journey.

By the time he reached Portrush just before 7am the following morning, he had completed one of his toughest fundraising challenges yet, raising more than £2,900 to help mobilise more people with Buffalo Bicycles.

For Charlie, this challenge was about far more than the distance.

He began fundraising for World Bicycle Relief following the tragic loss of his eldest son, Jacob, a talented young cyclist. Since then, Charlie has taken on a series of endurance challenges in Jacob’s memory, raising more than £13,000 for World Bicycle Relief – enough to fund the equivalent of 100+ Buffalo Bicycles.

His latest challenge was made even more remarkable after a cycling accident in 2024 resulted in a hip replacement, forcing him to postpone his plans.

The ride itself was full of memorable moments. A sweeping descent toward Llandudno offered spectacular coastal views after a morning of climbing, while the maze of cycle paths around Chester came as a welcome surprise. Later, Scotland brought mist, rain, wandering sheep and deer as Charlie made his way toward Cairnryan to catch the midnight ferry.

After a short rest on the crossing to Northern Ireland, he was back on the bike at 2.30am for what proved to be the toughest section of the challenge.

“The route covered just over 1,500 metres of climbing – the biggest elevation gain of all four nations,” Charlie said. “Every descent appeared to be followed immediately by another climb.”

As dawn broke over the Glens of Antrim, the finish was finally within reach.

“There was only one thing left on the agenda: finding breakfast.”

Behind every kilometre was the support of Charlie’s wife, Heather, who drove the support vehicle across four nations with very little sleep, helping keep the ambitious challenge on track.

Before setting off, Charlie reflected on why he continues to support World Bicycle Relief.

“This will be a test of endurance, planning and determination, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges faced by those without reliable transportation.”

It’s a reminder of why fundraisers like Charlie are so important. Every Buffalo Bicycle helps reduce the barrier of distance, enabling students to get to school, health workers to reach more patients and entrepreneurs to access markets and opportunities that help their families and communities thrive.

Charlie’s challenge may have taken him across four nations in just 24 hours, but its impact will travel much farther.