The Sailors’ Children’s Society Bridge to Bridge cycling challenge has raised over £30,000 to support children and families from seafaring backgrounds facing financial and emotional crisis.
Now in its third year, the event sees riders tackle a gruelling 212-mile route over two days, starting at the Severn Bridge in Bristol and finishing at the Humber Bridge in Hull.
The challenge was originally created in 2023 by Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, who completed the 212 miles solo in a single day, raising £7,500 for three charities. In 2024, the event grew to eight riders, raising £20,000 just for Sailors’ Children’s Society. This year, 13 riders took part, pushing the total raised to over £30,000, making Bridge to Bridge one of the charity’s key events in the calendar.
This year’s riders included:
- Adam Walsh – John Good Group
- Andy Rankin – Drax
- Chris Reid – RTS Infrastructure Services Limited
- Craig Bell – Startingpoint
- Helen Simpson – J.Marr Seafoods Limited
- Matt Green – Portico
- Megan Tudor – John Good Group
- Nick Tudor – Woods of Hornsea
- Oscar Sowden – Oscar Sowden Fitness
- Paul Cook – Pettitts Travel
- Rob Brocklesby – Adams & Green
- Simon Clarke – Portico
- Zachary Whitelam – MS3.net
Support from the riders’ employers played a huge part in the success of the event. John Good Group sponsored food and hotel rooms, while the Matthew Good Foundation match-funded employee donations and contributed an additional £2,000 in Champion Grants to help push the total past £30,000. Drax also support their employees, all of which had a significant impact on the riders’ fundraising.
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, said: “Over the two days, we saw some amazing teamwork and personal growth. It was incredible to watch Megan Tudor, one of the John Good Group riders, overcome her self-doubt. She only purchased a bike six months ago, and the longest ride she’d done was 60 miles. Her grit and determination to cross the finish line was very inspiring, and seeing her dad, Nick Tudor, and Simon Clarke ride alongside her on the second day, and everyone in the group cheering her on, was amazing. We had another rider, Rob Brocklesby, who came off his bike on the first day. We managed to get his bike fixed, and despite his injury, he got back on and rode the second day. The determination and resilience of the riders was truly inspirational. It’s no mean feat completing a challenge like this.
A huge thank you to the 13 riders who took on the challenge. It’s a vast distance with hills, rain, and serious traffic around Gloucester thrown in the mix. It was truly humbling to go along and support them across the two days and see people push themselves sometimes beyond what they believed they were capable of. Our charity is only as strong as the people behind it, and it takes major grit and determination to do what these 13 incredible people have done.”
Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group and founder of the Bridge to Bridge challenge, added: “Seeing what Bridge to Bridge has grown into is just incredible. To have 13 riders from across different businesses and communities come together, push themselves to the limit, and raise over £30,000 this year is beyond what I could have imagined when I first did this in 2023. I’m really looking forward to seeing what can be achieved in 2026.”
The Sailors’ Children’s Society does life-changing work for families when they need it most, and I’m proud that Bridge to Bridge is now firmly part of their fundraising calendar. A huge thank you to every rider, sponsor, and donor who made this year’s event possible.”
The Sailors’ Children’s Society team drove two support cars, with the team ensuring the riders had food, encouragement, and mechanical help throughout the two-day challenge.
Event sponsors included John Good Group, Spectrum, and Ken Ellerker Cycles. The van was kindly provided by Beerhouse Self Drive, and the minibus by RTH Chauffeurs. The Sailors’ Children’s Society team joined the riders as support crew, along with Gareth the mechanic, ensuring everyone made it safely to the Humber Bridge.
The event concluded at the Humber Bridge with drinks and a medal presentation to mark the riders’ incredible achievement. Friends and families gathered to cheer the cyclists across the finish line, creating a celebratory atmosphere after two gruelling days on the road. Each rider received a bespoke medal, specially created for the occasion by local artist Pru from Tranerhaus, making the finish even more memorable.
Bridge to Bridge will return on 11-13 September 2026, with registration now open on the Sailors’ Children’s website at https://sailorschildren.org.uk/events/bridge2bridge2026/
