WORLD-class distance runner Julian Goater joined a team of cyclists, including an influencer and his cat, for an epic ride in aid of Honeypot Children’s Charity.

The 71-year-old, who is still active as a coach, athlete and writer, joined the cyclists on Honeypot’s first ‘door-to-door cycle ride’, cycling 225 miles in four days from one of their rest homes in the New Forest to another in Pen-y-Bryn in mid-Wales.

John Pocock, philanthropist and long-time supporter of Honeypot, and Sir Jim Smith, President of the Zoological Society of London, also attended.

Mr Pocock came up with the idea for House to House after driving from John O’Groats to Lands End for Honeypot in 2022, raising more than £100,000 with his son Jamie.

He said: “I want this event to grow every year to help Honeypot reach more young carers so they too can create beautiful childhood memories and build a better future.”

They were joined by influencer Travis Nelson, who is known for cycling everywhere with his cat Sigrid. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram, many of their fans came along the route to cheer them on.

Julian said: “I enjoyed the physical challenge, but also riding in places I’ve never ridden before. I especially liked the camaraderie that kept everyone together and riding as a team. It made the kilometres fly by!”

Before setting off, each cyclist was assigned one of Honeypot’s young carers, who are currently looking after a sick or disabled relative. Julian was paired with a little girl called Mia, who is 10 years old and is helping her family care for her two older brothers who are suffering from a life-threatening illness.

Honeypot CEO Simmi Woodwall thanked the cyclists and said: “We hope this will be the first of many door-to-door cycling events to come and we invite everyone to join us.”

To take part in Honeypot’s House-to-House cycle in 2025, email [email protected] or call 020 3838 1473.