The Rev'd Canon Cedric Blakey, a senior chaplain in the Church of England, has reached John O'Groats today after a gruelling four week charity bike marathon from Land's End to raise money for the Derby Night Shelter, in Boyer Street.

Canon Blakey, who is chaplain to the Bishop of Derby, has been pedalling the full length of the British Isles through mostly wet weather since May 20 th to raise at least £1000 for Derby's homeless refuge centre. A final count of sponsorship in the next week will reveal the full total raised - expected to be well over twice the original target.

Although a keen cyclist, the journey has been tough at times for Canon Blakey as he coped with mountainous terrain and the rolling hills of the changing British landscape. But he said the generosity of sponsors, campsites and bed & breakfast hostels has made it all worth the effort.

"I've been so encouraged all along the journey by campsite owners and others who have provided their accommodation for free when they knew I was doing something for charity. Folk I've met along the way have willingly put cash in my hand too, so there are people right across Britain who have made a contribution to the welfare of Derby's homeless people. It has been heartening to see that unconditional giving from family, friends, colleagues and so many strangers too," said Canon Blakey.

He added: "Obviously I'm incredibly excited to have reached John O'Groats - it's an impossible dream fulfilled - but at the same time it's been quite emotional in the final few hours too. When you've been striving so hard for so long, it's a strange feeling to have actually made it. I'll be travelling by train back to Derby on Thursday and hope to present the money to the Derby Night Shelter soon."

nyone wishing to support the fundraising can still send a cheque made payable to: C. Blakey, marked Derby Night Shelter on the back, and posted to: Derby Church House, Full Street, Derby DE1 3DR.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:-

Ruth Green
Communications Officer/Bishop's Press Officer
Diocese of Derby (The Church of England across Derbyshire)
01332 388680 www.derby.anglican.org

About Derby Night Shelter

•  Derby Night Shelter has been open since December 2002 and 450 different people have slept there since then.

•  Residents are men and women aged from 16 and into their 70's.

•  Residents have a range of problems related to drugs, drink or mental health problems.