Lee Rogers, founder of Warrington-based talent development company Fenton Place, is set to undertake one of the UK’s most iconic endurance cycling challenges – riding the full length of Britain from Land’s End to John O’Groats – to raise vital funds for Warrington children’s outdoor adventure charity, Active Hope.
The challenge, dubbed “On Yer Bike…Lee”, will see Lee pedal an extraordinary 1,046 miles across the length of the British Isles from 2 June to 15 June 2025, aiming to raise a minimum of £5,000 for Active Hope – a Christian outdoor pursuits charity committed to transforming the lives of underserved children through outdoor adventure and education.
An audacious goal – for those who’ve heard ‘It’ll never work’
Lee Rogers is no stranger to pushing boundaries. As a trustee of Active Hope and a passionate advocate for the charity’s work, Lee has witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact outdoor adventure can have on young people facing significant challenges. With Active Hope experiencing a significant funding shortfall in recent years – resulting in the loss of two valued instructors – Lee felt compelled to act.
“I want to give my everything to make a difference,” said Lee. “I have seen first-hand how Active Hope changes children’s lives. Without funding, charities cannot do their amazing work. This challenge is for those kids – and for anyone who’s ever been told something will never work and proved them wrong.”
The challenge is Lee’s most ambitious undertaking yet – his longest single ride to date was 60 miles, completed before a back operation two years ago. The 1,046-mile LEJOG route represents a remarkable test of determination, resilience, and community spirit.
Active Hope – 20 years of changing young lives
This year marks a landmark milestone for Active Hope, as the charity celebrates its 20th anniversary of delivering life-changing outdoor adventure experiences to children and young people across Warrington and surrounding areas. Living by the motto Life. Faith. Adventure., Active Hope provides outdoor activities including kayaking, climbing, bushcraft, and residential expeditions, giving young people from all backgrounds the chance to discover challenge, develop life skills, and experience a sense of genuine achievement.
Founding Director Dan Curtis has been instrumental in the charity’s journey and is proudly supporting Lee’s challenge as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations.
“Twenty years of Active Hope has meant twenty years of opening doors for children who might otherwise never experience the outdoors,” said Dan. “We are deeply grateful for Lee’s commitment and the extraordinary community rallying behind this challenge.”
1,000 children to cycle 1,000 miles
The challenge extends far beyond Lee’s personal ride. In an ambitious parallel initiative, 1,000 children will be encouraged to collectively cycle 1,000 miles alongside the challenge – getting kids active, inspired, and involved in raising vital funds for the charity that serves many of their own communities.
This youth cycling initiative embodies the spirit of Active Hope itself – empowering young people to take on a challenge, believe in themselves, and discover what they are capable of.
British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton OBE backs the effort
Jon Dutton OBE, CEO of British Cycling, has lent his support to the challenge. Jon – whose focus on the social impact of cycling resonated deeply with Lee – served as a judge in a special t-shirt design competition, with the winning design becoming the jersey Lee will wear throughout every mile of his ride. A number of friendly faces are also expected to join Lee at various stages along the route, bringing community spirit and energy to each leg of the journey.
Jon’s involvement adds a powerful dimension to the challenge, underlining the importance of cycling as a vehicle for social change – something Active Hope has championed through outdoor adventure for two decades.
How to support
Members of the public, businesses, and community groups across Warrington and the North West are invited to support Lee’s challenge and help reach the £5,000 fundraising target. Donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/lee-rogers-1765970917070
Supporters can also follow Lee’s training journey and the build-up to the June challenge on Instagram: @fitter4forties
“On Yer Bike…Lee” would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors. Lee and the Active Hope team would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Science in Sport, whose nutrition expertise will help fuel every mile of the ride; Zen Internet, for their backing and commitment to supporting great causes in the North West; Powered by Mates, whose community spirit perfectly mirrors the ethos of this challenge; and Fenton Place, Lee’s own talent development company, whose belief in people reaching their potential drives everything behind this endeavour. Their collective support is a powerful reminder that when a community comes together, remarkable things happen.
