Richard Davis, 61, is undertaking an extraordinary endurance challenge to raise vital funds for Willow, a charity that supports seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40.

Over the course of 70 days, Richard will cycle an incredible 4,500 miles around the coast of the UK, making this the toughest challenge yet in his fundraising journey for the charity.

Setting off from Dorset, he will travel clockwise around the south west of England, cycle the full coastline of Wales including Anglesey, head north through Scotland, cross to Belfast to complete the perimeter of Northern Ireland, then return to Scotland before riding the long stretch down the east of England and finishing back on the south coast in Dorset.

The challenge marks Richard’s 19th consecutive year of taking on sponsored endurance events in support of Willow. Since he began fundraising in 2008, he has raised more than £165,000, helping the charity provide unforgettable Special Days for young adults living with serious illness.

Special Days are tailored experiences that allow young adults and their families to step away from hospital routines, make lasting memories, and spend precious time together during unimaginably difficult circumstances.

Noah aged 20, from Chepstow is one of those who have benefitted from one of the chaity’s special days. Noah received 166 weeks of chemotherapy for an inoperable brain tumour, and has now decided to stop treatment.

He loves Doctor Who, so for his Special Day in 2024 he asked Willow to organise a trip to London for him and his parents to see the Dr Who Prom.

Noah said: "I have been on chemo since 2021 and it has been a very lonely journey. My life has changed beyond all recognition. I have very little independence and my friends from school have all moved on. My Special Break was lovely as it gave me a day away from doctors, treatment and hospitals. T

“o be away from pitying faces was so nice, as well as spending time with my parents where they weren't worrying about finances. For 48 hours we were free from the mundane issues of life."

Since his Special Day, Noah has pursued his dream of being an actor and appeared in two episodes of Doctor Who and an episode of Casualty. He is sitting his exams in the next few weeks, and hopes to go to university to study drama in September.

From 24 April – 9 May, Richard is cycling from Chepstow to Stranraer, so give him a cheer if you see him!Follow Richard’s journey on Instagram @richardmdavis337 and donate via his JustGiving page: Richard Davis is fundraising for Willow Foundation

Willow was founded in 1999 by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife Megs, as a lasting memorial to their daughter Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. The inspiration for Willow came from Anna’s determination to live every moment to the fullest, despite the most difficult circumstances.