Kelly’s Heroes take on toughest challenge yet

‘From Rock Bottom, The Journey Back’, is the latest and most demanding cycling challenge undertaken by the mental health charity Kelly’s Heroes.

Covering over 1,265 miles and climbing 57,000 feet across 14 gruelling days, the team will ride through Spain and France, crossing into the UK to finish in Portsmouth.

The charity was founded in memory of Kelly Hewitt, with a mission to save lives. Initially the idea was to raise funds to support delivery of mental health services through charities. However, founders John Hewitt and Rachael Hewitt quickly found that what they needed to do was offer frontline mental health services, including free counselling and online chat support.

The Kelly’s Heroes riders have taken part in a number of high-profile cycling challenges including John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2000, The Loneliest Road, across Europe and USA in 2022, each one raising awareness and vital funds for the services offered by the charity.

The significance of this latest challenge lies not only in its distance, but its meaning. The journey begins at ‘Rock Bottom’, both a physical place and a metaphor for the lowest point in someone’s mental health battle.

Day five of the ride coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September).

“This ride symbolises what recovery can look like,” said John Hewitt, founder of Kelly’s Heroes. “From the darkest place, there is always a path forward. It won’t be easy, there are hills and setbacks, but with support, the journey back is possible.”

Deceuninck is headline sponsor for the ride, which will cover a huge proportion of the ride costs.  There are also a number of kit sponsorship opportunities for businesses who may like to be involved.

Sponsors will benefit from brand exposure through campaign media, rider kits, digital content, and alignment with the cause.

For more details visit: https://justgiving.com/campaign/a-journey-from-rock-bottom-2025

To find out more about Kelly’s Heroes, and see how they can work with you to support mental Health in your team, business or community group please visit: www.kellysheroes.org.uk