75 cyclists to ride through Bucks this weekend in memory of Jo Cox

The ride is 288 miles long and will take five days

Author: Charlotte Evans-YoungPublished 29th Jul 2022

75 cyclists will be making their way through Buckinghamshire tomorrow in memory of the murdered MP Jo Cox.

The Jo Cox Way ride will see cyclists from the age of 18 to 76 travel 288 miles in five days, tackling plenty of hills, varying weather conditions, and different terrains.

The event was set up seven years ago by North Yorkshire businessman and keen cyclist Sarfraz Mian who, despite not knowing Jo, wanted to do something in her honour.

The Jo Cox Way cyclists in Buxton and Ashbourne

"We have more riders than ever"

Mr Mian said, “It’s fantastic that ... we have more riders than ever.

"Some are taking part for the first time, some are experienced cyclists who’ll help them along, but I’m sure they’ll all form lasting friendships with people of different ages, from different communities, through an amazing shared experience."

The journey started on Wednesday from Jo's home in West Yorkshire and is now heading through Bucks before eventually arriving where Jo worked in London.

People are being encourage to come out and cheer the cyclists on, as well as get involved for a portion of the journey if they feel like it.

Kim Leadbeater MP talks to cyclists before setting off

"People generally want to do things that brings people together"

Kim Leadbeater, Jo's sister and the now MP of Batley and Spen, said, "it's totally heart warming for me, mum, dad, and all of Jo's friends and family that people have still got such enthusiasm and passion for doing things in her name.

"We've seen some very divisive times in our country, our politics, and globally but people generally want to do things that bring people together."

As well as using the cycle as an opportunity to remember the Batley and Spen MP, it's also being used to raise money for the Jo Cox Foundation.

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