700km in seven days... Jersey cyclist takes on big challenge for MND

Sunday 14 January 2024

An avid local cyclist is cycling 700km in seven days in the hope of raising thousands for research into motor neurone disease, inspired by friends with the condition.

Steven Phillips (46) has a target to raise £3,000 for Doddie Aid 2024 which takes its name from founder and Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir, who died as a result of the disease in 2022.

Islander Mr Phillips explained that he knows, and has known, three people who were diagnosed with the disease – one of whom passed away on New Year's Day.

He said: "My wife and I were chatting about what I could do to help, and I stumbled across Doddie Aid 2024. That charity was my preferred because all the money raised goes into research, so it's a good starting point."

In the challenge, areas of the UK compete to raise the most money, and as Mr Phillips originates from South Wales, he signed up to 'Team Wales'. Unfortunately, he said, there is no Channel Islands or Jersey team.

He will cycle 100km each day of the week from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 January as part of a month in which he tries to cover as much distance as possible.

Pictured: In training for the challenge which is due to begin on 22 January.

The furthest he has cycled so far was a 100km ride last year – and while Mr Phillips is a keen cyclist who took up the sport last year in the hopes of improving his fitness, he said: "I decided to push my limits with this challenge, and it's a lot for me to cover in seven days.

"I'm starting to think I've bitten off more than I can chew, but I will do it even if I have to stay up to midnight.

"The route will change every day, and of course there are only limited ones in Jersey because we are small."

He expects to start at 9am every day, after the school rush, and the 100km should take around five to seven hours, depending on the weather.

He has encouraged Islanders to join him for a leg of his journey – of whatever length – and has created a Facebook group called "Steve's 700k in 7 Days", where people can find out where he is at what time.

The community has already rallied around him, Mr Phillips said, with Coop Bikes in St Peter donating "out of the blue" plenty of gear and supplies to keep him going, for which he was grateful.

Coop Bikes have also agreed to service his bike before the challenge and have become his "unofficial back-up team".

DONATE...

Visit his fundraising page to or his Facebook page to donate, follow along, and help Mr Phillips reach his target of £3,000.