Our News
Search the NW Anglia Website website
Our News
Stamford nurse Jo’s decade-long fundraising efforts for cancer charity
As part of an epic charity project spanning more than a decade, a Stamford nurse is among event organisers and fundraisers celebrating over £100,000 donation to Cancer Research UK.
The incredible amount has been raised from the recent Longest Day Challenge; a sponsored annual motorcycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats which was first kick started in 2013.
Since then, a huge £630,000 has been raised as a result of thousands of miles of motorcycling, public generosity and hard work by an army of riders, and volunteers – of which Stamford & Rutland Hospital Outpatient Department staff nurse Jo McAvoy is one.
Jo: “It all started when my husband John, along with some others from a motorcycling magazine forum, had the crazy idea of riding from Land's End to John O’Groats on roadworthy motorcycles costing no more than £600!
“The idea was, and still is, to raise money for Cancer Research UK as many had family, friends and colleagues undergoing treatment or had passed away as a result of cancer.”
After taking part in the first event in 2013, John decided he would try and organise a similar event for the following year, and – supported by Jo – it has improved year on year with more riders and volunteers.
Jo said: “This has been our biggest year organising the event to date with 49 riders and about 100 volunteers.
The Longest Day Challenge is held on 21 June, starting at 4am, with five pitstops along the route, which doesn’t include motorways. All riders have trackers on their bikes so their journey and safety can be monitored.
The volunteers help to provide any minor bike repairs and maintenance at the pitstops, as well as keeping the riders fed and hydrated and administering any minor first aid while Jo acts as ‘mission control’ from a mini bus — alerting riders of road closures and other factors which may affect their journey.
She said: “Our aim is to look after these heroes, keeping them safe for the tough challenge of riding just under one thousand miles in around 24 hours.
“It never fails to amaze me how dedicated the riders are every year to raise as much money as possible for this important cause.
“Each and every rider has a personal story about why they are taking part in the challenge and many place dedication photos of loved ones on their bikes.”
This year’s event included one of a few female riders taking part throughout the years, Jenny Tinmouth, Ex TT and British Superbike racer and TV pundit.
There was also a visit from the High Sheriff of Rutland, Richard Chesterfield, who rode his motorbike to meet the riders at Pitstop 1 in Cirencester.
There is still time to donate to the cause if you wish to support:
Stamford & Rutland nurse Jo McAvoy and husband John – and some of the Longest Day Challenge class of 2025 and High Sheriff of Rutland, Richard Chesterfield