Culdrose Aviator Completes Epic Charity Cycle Ride

Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose based aviator Lieutenant Edwin Cooper has completed a gruelling 1000 mile cycling challenge, raising over £2,000 in the process.

Cycling from Falmouth all the way to Stromness Academy in the Orkney Isles, his childhood school, Edwin completed this incredible feat in just seven days. Edwin is a keen endurance athlete and cycling the length of the country was something he had always wanted to do, so to be able to perform this challenge for a charity that is close to his heart was a real privilege.

When asked about the challenge Edwin said, “From traversing the hilly counties of Cornwall and Devon to dodging traffic in the central belt cities, to the tranquillity of cycling solo through the Scottish Highlands with herds of deer and sea eagles for company, the experience of cycling from Falmouth to Orkney unsupported, a 1000 miles in seven days, for Help for Heroes, is a challenge I will never forget.”

He continued,” I never believed that Cornwall and Devon could be the hilliest of counties, but by the end of Day 1 I had to agree they were. Indeed, this wasn’t just a challenge about distance; I had to take into consideration elevation as well as I would climb around 62,000 feet over the seven days – twice the height of Everest. I was looking forward to the challenge though and it did not disappoint”.

“The final day cycling through Sutherland and over the mountains to the north coast – the final hurdle – of the challenge was also demanding with a firm head wind all day. However, seeing the Orkney Islands on the horizon was particularly special. Completing the cycle on day 7, with friends and family to meet me in Stromness, having burned 8000 calories and covering between 130 and 175 miles a day, I was delighted to complete the challenge and exceed my fundraising target by raising over £2500 for Help for Heroes.”

Although Edwin got to enjoy a couple of days rest and relaxation on the Orkney Islands, he did not get to put his feet up for long as soon after he was deployed as Flight Commander on board HMS ST ALBANS. As for future challenges Edwin said “ I always tell my wife it’s the last challenge, but in a few months time, when I have gathered my thoughts, Ill maybe start thinking of the next one”.

Contributions can still be made at www.bmycharity.com/h2hforh4h