"Rod has channelled the heartbreak of losing his son Barney to meningitis into an extraordinary commitment to helping other families."
Rod Adlington and Guy Minshull were part of a mixed four-person crew which rowed 3,200 miles across the Atlantic in 2024, raising more than £150,000 for the charities.
In May 2026 they are taking on a fresh challenge - cycling 100 miles a day for 10 days through some of the most beautiful countryside the UK has to offer in the Land’s End 2 John O’Groats challenge – and they’re looking for others to go along for the ride.
Rod, a turkey farmer from Balsall Common, is hoping to raise £25,000 for the charities and this time he has roped in some help from the family with son, Toby (26), and daughter, Lily (22) also signing up for the mammoth ride.
He said: “This is a charity challenge and we’re looking for more competitors to sign up and get involved. We’ve already got a team of seven with riders joining us from all walks of life and from right across the country but the bigger the contingent of riders the better.”
Ardent fundraiser
Rod is an ardent fundraiser for both Get A-Head, which supports people with head and neck disease, and Meningitis Now in memory of his son Barney who died from meningitis in 2005 when he was just three-years-old.
Rod, Lily, Toby and Kenilworth arable farmer Guy will be joined on the bike ride by 60-year-old Graham George from Stratford upon Avon – an all-round athlete; Mark Parker, a farmer, rugby player and keen cyclist from Banbury near Oxford and Simon Pemberton, an ex-England water polo player from Solihull.
“This classic British cycling challenge was first completed by Alfred Nixon in 1882,” said Rod. “We’ve created an outstandingly beautiful route, keeping to quieter country roads and taking in some fantastic scenery along the way, from the typically English countryside to the remote rugged highlands of Scotland. Now all we need are more competitors: cyclists, feel free to get involved!”
Channelled the heartbreak
Dr Tom Nutt, chief executive at Meningitis Now, said: “We are immensely grateful for everything Rod does, both as a valued trustee and tireless fundraiser. For more than two decades he has channelled the heartbreak of losing his son Barney to meningitis into an extraordinary commitment to helping other families. His determination to ensure that no one faces meningitis alone has driven countless fundraising challenges and initiatives, raising vital funds and awareness for our work.
“Rod’s energy and generosity continue to inspire everyone connected with Meningitis Now, and we’re in awe of him again as he jumps into the saddle for this challenge which will help us celebrate our 40th anniversary of providing support to people affected by meningitis. We are deeply grateful to Rod and the whole team for their dedication and support.”
Danni Heath, director of Get A-Head, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Rod and Guy for their continued support. We know they are capable of achieving great things after their epic effort to row the Atlantic. Their dedication means so much to everyone at Get A-Head. We hope this new cycling challenge will inspire even more people to join in, push themselves and help us make a real difference to those affected by head and neck disease.”
Fully supported
The challenge will be fully supported with guides to help with navigation as well as support vehicles and mechanics. All meals and accommodation will be provided. The route will take the cyclists from Land’s End through Launceston, Glastonbury, Worcester, Crewe, Kendal, Moffatt, Perth, Grantown on Spey, Lairg and into John O’Groats.
Riders are advised that they should have fitness levels capable of completing 80-100 miles a day with hills.
