Norwich Local Takes on 900-Mile Land's End to John O' Groats Charity Cycle for YoungMinds

A Norwich local and M&S colleague is preparing to cycle the length of the country to raise vital funds for the M & S charity partner YoungMinds.

Guy Humphrey (29), who has worked at M&S for just over a year, is one of 18 colleagues taking on the gruelling Land's End to John O' Groats challenge as part of M&S’ ‘Big Fun-Raiser’ charity event.

Starting on 4 June 2026, the team will embark on a mammoth 900-mile journey, cycling for 10 consecutive days and covering approximately 90-100 miles each day, as part of M&S’ efforts to support young people's mental health through its charity partnership with YoungMinds.

“I have always wanted to complete the Land's End to John O' Groats route, so when I saw this announced, I knew I had to enter," said Guy. "I was incredibly lucky to be chosen.

"More than just the physical challenge, it’s about raising money for YoungMinds, an amazing charity doing such important work for people struggling with their mental health. We live in such a fast-paced, busy world, and I think it’s crucial to highlight the pressures that young people face today."

M&S has raised over £6.6million for charity partner YoungMinds over the past two and a half years and is now aiming to reach £7 million to help fund the charity’s work. This includes their services and support for parents and carers, to ensure more young people and families get the support they need.

“I haven’t challenged myself to this degree before, but I can’t wait for the journey ahead,” Guy added. “I’ve been training six days a week to prepare, a mix of long bike rides as well as running and strength training to build up my core and help prevent injuries.

“The most challenging aspect will probably be dealing with the unexpected if things don't go exactly to plan along the route. But mostly, I'm just excited. I’m really looking forward to taking in all the scenery the UK has to offer, exploring places I’ve never been, and meeting the rest of the team.

"I think reaching Scotland towards the end of the ride will be absolutely amazing - I can only imagine the views will be incredible!”

As he makes his final preparations, Guy is encouraging the local community to get behind the challenge: “Mental health is so important, and it can affect absolutely anyone. I’m sure everyone in the community can connect in some way or another to YoungMinds and their goals.

"The whole team is so motivated to raise money for a great cause and have fun along the way, and any support from the public would mean the world to us.”

Abigail Ampofo, Interim Chief Executive at YoungMinds, said: “We’re hugely grateful to Guy and all the riders at M&S for taking part in this challenge. Their fundraising efforts will help support our work including our parents helpline, so we can be there for parents and carers and the young people in their lives, at a time when more young people than ever are struggling with their mental health.”

Launched in 2023, M&S and YoungMinds partnered to make a difference for young people’s mental health.

YoungMinds are the UK’s leading youth mental health charity, providing vital support to young people and equipping the adults in their lives with the tools they need to help.

To date, the £5mln target for YoungMinds has been well beaten. So M&S aims to raise a further £1.5m - to help fund YoungMinds’ services for parents and carers for a whole year.