Land's End to Dover

Miriam looks back on her solo bike challenge

In August, Bright Shadow artist Miriam set out on an adventure, bike-packing all the way from Land’s End to Dover to raise vital funds so that Bright Shadow can continue to transform the lives of people with dementia through creativity, community and joy.

Inspired by her late father’s experience with dementia, Miriam told us:

“Dementia care is so important and often misunderstood. Bright Shadow does wonders for participants living with dementia by embracing creativity in innovative ways.”

Over nine days and 446 miles, she rode across the country with her trademark warmth and positivity, inspiring everybody she met along the way. Thanks to the generosity of our fantastic community of supporters and people she met along the way, Miriam has raised over £4000 (plus Gift Aid!) for Bright Shadow so far. Her fundraising page is still open for final donations.

As Miriam told us, her journey was full of beauty, challenge and the kindness of strangers.

In her own words: Miriam’s ride
“I thought it would be nice to update you all on my charity bike ride. Firstly, thanks so much for all your kind donations, over £4000 plus Gift Aid, and all for Bright Shadow, who have been blown away by the amount raised.
I rode a total of 446 miles, which is 717 kms, in nine days. I took twelve days in total, stopping off to visit family near Port Isaac and old friends halfway for some much-needed rest – washing done, fed and watered well and a proper bed!
Cornwall was beautiful but extremely hilly: nearly 8,000m of climbing in total! I’d been forewarned about the hills and ‘undulation’ but hadn’t quite believed it. I surprised myself with how I managed, even with a heavy bike. Sometimes I had to walk up – and down – these ‘undulations’, especially when the roads were rough, but I was determined to get to Dover in one piece.
Only three miles in, I was held up by 200 cows. My bike got its first coat of cow dung! But the kindness of people along the way was overwhelming. Free cups of tea, water bottle top ups, extra large portions of food – even accommodation. Everyone wanted to help support this amazing cause.
One of the toughest days saw me cycling in the dark with just my phone torch lighting the road. I had no punctures or mechanical issues, just one scare near the finish line when a driver suddenly U-turned. Thankfully, we both came away with only frayed nerves.
When I finally saw the ‘Welcome to Dover sign, I got so emotional. Friends and Bright Shadow family were there to meet me – Rebecca and Rasa, Graham, AJ, Fred and Julie – were there at the Clock Tower with flowers, chocolates, Prosecco and handmade signs. Oh, and lots of hugs! It was the perfect finish.”

A journey fuelled by kindness

From the rolling hills and friendly farmers of sunny Cornwall to welcoming faces in a windy Dover downpour, Miriam’s journey was a celebration the power of challenging ourselves to try new things. This spirit sits at the very heart of our work here at Bright Shadow.

Every mile Miriam rode helps us bring our pioneering ambitious creative sessions to people living with and affected by dementia across Kent and Medway.

You can still support Miriam’s fundraiser

Miriam’s incredible achievement has already raised over £4000, but there’s still time to help her go even further.

“We need Bright Shadow to continue and to be there to help us live well, and be seen as people who matter.“
– Gill Ashington, NHS Dementia Envoy and Bright Shadow trustee

Every donation supports our work, promoting independence, sustaining identity and relationships, strengthening families and communities and putting the power of creativity into everyday life.

Donate to Miriam’s GoFundMe and help to keep Bright Shadow’s vital creative programme alive for people living with and affected by dementia.

Thank you, Miriam, for embarking on this inspiring journey.

Feeling inspired? Why not take on your own challenge or host a fundraising event in support of Bright Shadow? Whether it’s a bake sale, a sponsored walk, or something uniquely you, your effort can help bring creativity and joy to people living with dementia. Get in touch – we’d love to support your idea!