Land’s End to John O’Groats for Englesea Brook

An inspirational Methodist preacher is getting on his bike for a charity cycle ride across the length of Britain to mark his 75th birthday – just months after a hip replacement.

Geoff Dickinson, who will bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum of Primitive Methodism in Cheshire, is doubly bionic in the hips after a replacement operation in September last year.

Geoff has not let the surgery stop him, climbing back on his bike just a month later and racking up 1,000 miles cycling this year alone.

Setting off on Sunday 10 May from the tip of Cornwall, the local preacher and Senior Circuit Steward in the Cheshire South Circuit will be joined by his wife, Jane, who will be taking on her own challenge in aid of local hospice St Lukes, Winsford.

Riding up to 80 miles a day, and at altitudes of up to 1,500 metres, the pair will pass through Truro, Bristol, Hereford, Edinburgh, Perth and Inverness and see iconic sights like old Severn Bridge to Chepstow and the old Forth Road Bridge in Scotland before arriving in the most northerly tip of Scotland on Friday 29 May.

Geoff aims to raise at least £2,000 to support the work of Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum of Primitive Methodism, a vital piece of Methodist heritage.

Visitors can also enjoy the peace and quiet of the small chapel of the Primitive Methodists, where occasional services are still held, and explore the graveyard as well as the exhibitions and displays in the adjacent museum.

Geoff said: “During 2026 I will reach the milestone of 75 years and thought it would be a good idea to undertake a personal challenge.

“I have been a volunteer at Englesea Brook since 2012 and currently serve on the executive committee.  Since retiring, the Primitive Methodist story has become a passion of mine, often quoted in one form or another in my preaching ministry.

“Last September I had a hip replacement operation and am now doubly bionic in respect of hips. I was back on a bike by mid-October. I have been cycling for fitness for the last eight or so years. This year I have cycled just over 1,000 miles in and around the lanes of Cheshire. Now all I have to do is cycle 1,000 miles in three weeks!

“I will typically be cycling 50 to 60 miles per day over three weeks – the longest day being about 80 miles. I will be cycling with an organised group through Saddle Skedaddle. They organise hotel overnight stops, move on luggage each day and provide technical support.

Talking of his passion for Englesea, he added: “The museum is more than a museum – it is a place of community, a place of relevant storytelling, and a place where the outreach and justice emphases of the Methodist Church are presented and lived out. It is small but beautifully formed and deserves support.

“It will also be a significant physical challenge for me and knowing that there are people supporting will help me get up those steep hills on the way.”

Ruth Hilton, project director of Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum of Primitive Methodism, expressed her thanks and said the challenge was ‘remarkable’.

She said: “The whole team at Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum are full of admiration and gratitude for Geoff as he embarks on this remarkable bike ride from Land's End to John O' Groats. To take on such a demanding physical challenge to mark his 75th birthday is truly remarkable and serves to reflect the dedication and commitment he has brought to the museum over many years of being a volunteer.

“The funds raised through this sponsored ride will make a profound difference to our ongoing work to share the story of the Primitive Methodists. We are cheering him on every mile of the way – and hope to see him as he passes through his hometown of Nantwich. We wish him a safe and unforgettable adventure!”

To support Geoff please visit his charity page here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/geoffrey-dickinson