Gheluvelt to Gheluvelt Charity Cycle Challenge: A Commemorative and Fundraising Endeavour
From 26th to 29th June 2025, a dedicated group of 17 cyclists, supported by an enthusiastic logistics team, undertook a 223-mile cycling challenge from Gheluvelt Park in Worcester to Gheluvelt Chateau in Belgium. This remarkable journey was organised to raise vital funds for St Richard’s Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Society, and the Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire), while also honouring the historic contribution of the Worcestershire Regiment during the Battle of Gheluvelt on 31st October 1914.
Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers were proud sponsors of this important initiative, and our Managing Director, Duncan Sutcliffe, participated directly in the challenge, providing essential logistical support, driving one of the support vehicles.
At the start of the adventure.
The cycle challenge began on the morning of 26th June, with the cyclists setting off from Gheluvelt Park. The departure of the emotionally charged team was marked by a formal send-off featuring standard bearers from the Regimental Association, the Mayor of Worcester, local dignitaries, supporters, and family members. The first leg of the journey covered 83 miles, taking the group through the Cotswolds before an overnight rest in Newbury.
A tough start for the cyclists.
The second day spanned 80 miles of increasingly demanding terrain and rising temperatures, concluding in Crawley. However, the most demanding segment came on day three — a 90-mile route through the North Downs, tackled in temperatures exceeding 35°C, before finally reaching Dover.
Travelling across the channel for a time of reflection.
The team crossed the Channel by ferry to Dunkirk and cycled a further 50 miles through scenic French and Belgian countryside. Their arrival at Gheluvelt Chateau was marked by a warm reception from local dignitaries and a commemorative ceremony at the Worcestershire Regiment memorial. The team also had the honour of passing under the stunning Menin Gate in Ypres and participating in the historic nightly remembrance ceremony. Duncan Sutcliffe had the honour of laying a wreath on behalf of the group at the Menin Gate in tribute to the nearly 56,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers commemorated there.
The group was also present at the launch of a specially brewed beer, the Battle of Gheluvelt, created to honour the regiment’s legacy, which was a thoughtful and appreciated gesture. A visit to the Passchendaele Museum the following day concluded the journey, where the cyclists explored exhibits detailing the Battle of Gheluvelt, deepening the historical context of their challenge.
With spirits high and bodies weary, the team returned to Worcester with lasting memories and a strong sense of achievement. To date, the campaign has raised over £25,000 for their nominated charities, and the fundraising total continues to rise.
Find out more about the G2G Cycle Challenge, and you can donate too on their Give Wheel page.
