Thatcham father and son take on cycle challenge for mental health charity Time to Talk

A Thatcham father and his teenage son are taking on the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle challenge for charity.

Bart Kuijten and 14-year-old Ethan Kuijten – who are both members of Newbury Velo – set off on July 28, covering 1,000 miles in 12 days.

This isn’t the first time the pair have cycled for a greater cause.

Bart joined Newbury town councillor Martin Colston in 2022 to cycle the equivalent of Newbury to the Netherlands – 300 miles – in 24 hours for Eight Bells for Mental Health.

And just like his dad, Ethan sought to inspire and completed 581 miles around the north coast of Scotland.

At just ten years old Ethan also cycled 359 miles from Holyhead in North Wales all the way back to Thatcham in aid of BBC Children in Need, raising around £1,700.

This year they have already raised just shy of £300 and are looking to hit a £1,000 target for Time to Talk West Berkshire.

Donations can be made to their JustGiving page at https://shorturl.at/bcRW5

Before setting off, the father and son said: “When we chose to take on this challenge and identify a charity for us to support while on the Land's End to John O'Groats cycle ride, we wanted to choose a local charity and one that focuses on young people.

“Mental health and emotional wellbeing support is needed more than ever in the times we're living in.

“Especially for young people who may find it more difficult to find the support they need.

“So we hope that our contribution will help Time to Talk keep doing the great job that they are doing here in West Berkshire.”