Jon Mead of local family brewers, Hall & Woodhouse, has completed a gruelling challenge to cycle to each of the company’s 50 pubs in Dorset to raise vital funds for Dorset Mind. 

£1,867 has been successfully raised to date for the Brewery’s local charity partner after Jon completed the epic cycle that covered over 350km across the county-wide pub trail.  

Jon explained: “It took us over 19 hours to complete and what kept me going was my passion for raising awareness and challenging the stigma that surrounds mental health. Dorset Mind has seen a peak in demand for its services as a result of the pandemic so it’s important that we fundraise to enable them to keep supporting our local communities. I am over the moon that the cycle raised more than the £1,777 I had set out to do. 

“The hills coming out of Weymouth and Lulworth towards the end of day one were real tests of character – and of my legs! However, the climb coming out of Lulworth offered a stunning view and was well worth the effort. We built up a head of steam and felt victorious coming back past the Badger Roundabout in Blandford at the end of the ride.  

“Cycling and socialising in our pubs supports my own mental health and I hope to inspire others to undertake an activity that nurtures their wellbeing.” 

Jon was joined by his seven-year-old daughter Ellie riding to the first four pubs, and different team members and supporters accompanied him for other parts of his challenge. The ride started at the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery in Blandford and took him to over 50 Hall & Woodhouse pubs including the Olive Branch (Wimborne), Ship Inn (Weymouth), Grasshopper (Parkstone), Old Granary (Wareham) and Lulworth Cove Inn before returning to the Brewery.  

Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind CEO comments, “We’re incredibly impressed that Jon took on such a demanding challenge to raise money and awareness for Dorset Mind. It is proven that fresh air and exercise contribute to better mental wellbeing, so Jon’s challenge represents many of the positive habits we encourage people to practise. We’re extremely grateful for Hall & Woodhouse’s continued support and would like to extend our thanks to everyone that donated to raise such a fantastic amount of money. This donation will go a long way to helping us support adults and young people in Dorset with their mental health and wellbeing”. 

To find out more about Dorset Mind’s services please visit www.dorsetmind.uk