A local fundraiser is preparing to saddle up for the final stretch of a grueling 1,200-mile cycling challenge in memory of a dear friend. Andy Avenell, 57, from Reading, started his bespoke journey on Monday, June 1, setting off on each leg directly from his home. Throughout June and July, he has been travelling to 20 UK-based companies owned by Halma plc.
From retirement plan to tribute ride
Andy has worked for one of the firms, Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd, for 28 years and named the challenge 'Home to Halma'. What was originally planned as an epic ride to mark his long career took a sudden turn after Andy’s friend, Andy Earnshaw, died in April 2026 following a diagnosis of a malignant brain tumour. He was cared for at home by the Community Nursing Team, a service provided through Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
Andy said: “The idea for my challenge started a few years ago as something I wanted to do eventually to mark my retirement. After so many years of secure and happy employment, I wanted to show my gratitude to Halma and Crowcon. But when Andy became unwell, it was a huge shock; something like that makes you look at your own life. I decided to request a three-month career break. I thought I could turn this tragedy into something positive and raise money to support Sue Ryder.”
Friendship forged on two wheels
He continued: “I'd known Andy for a long time. Our wives became friends after meeting at pre-school swimming lessons for our children. He was great fun and one of the warmest, most thoughtful people I’ve known, always putting his wife, two sons and friends at the heart of everything he did.
“Motorcycles are a big part of my life, and Andy had always wanted to own one. It was something we really bonded over. He went on to get his first bike, and a whole new world opened up to us. We ended up riding together on many trips including, France, Belgium, Germany, Gran Canaria and Morocco, and it became a huge part of our friendship.”
Supporting Sue Ryder's end-of-life care
Sue Ryder provides expert palliative and end-of-life care through its hospices, as well as care in the community and grief support. Last year, the charity delivered more than 655,000 hours of end-of-life care. Andy has set a target of raising £10,000 and is already more than halfway there.
Reflecting on the care his friend received, Andy added: “Andy was cared for at home by Sue Ryder Nurses. That’s where he wanted to be and it meant so much to him that he could have his family and friends around him. I was able to be there through the difficult times.”
An epic route across England and Wales
While Andy describes himself as an occasional cyclist, this is the biggest challenge he has ever taken on by bike. His first leg took him to Didcot, Wantage, Maidenhead, Slough, Windsor, Wembley and Acton. He then spent two days cycling in Hitchin and five days travelling through Warwick, Birmingham and Manchester, alongside a trip to Alton and Havant. Three days were spent riding to Cwmbran before an eight-day trip to Nottingham and Newcastle.
The final stretch takes him to Wellington and Somerset before finishing on Friday, July 24, at Halma HQ in Amersham, where colleagues will join him for the final few miles.
Highlights and emotions along the way
Andy commented: “There have been so many high points, from travelling through amazing places to seeing so much of the country. I’ve avoided main roads, instead cycling on canal paths, converted railway lines and byways. I’ve taken time to learn about the history of the areas I’ve visited, and I’ve received so much support and such a warm welcome from all of the companies along the way, with people offering drinks, refreshments and factory tours.”
He concluded: “I’ve also been documenting my journey on LinkedIn and Facebook to raise awareness of the challenge. Workers at the various companies have approached me saying, ‘You’re the cycling guy,’ and it has given me the chance to share some of the funny things that have happened along the way. It’s lovely to know that people are genuinely following my journey.
“It has been very emotional, and it’s been hard, both physically and mentally. I’ve had some very hot and long days (and a couple of very wet and cold ones), but it has also helped give me headspace and something good to focus on. I am delighted to have raised so much money for Sue Ryder in Andy’s memory.”
To support Andy’s fundraising, visit his JustGiving page, or find out more by visiting sue-ryder.org.
