GP makes Northampton happier and healthier by raising over £1300 in epic 125-mile cycle challenge

The group of riders got together back in August and have since raised more than £1,000 for charity.

A group of road cyclists have completed an epic 125-mile cycle challenge raising over £1,300 for Action for Happiness in Northamptonshire.

Action for Happiness is a social movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society. Northamptonshire has a dedicated group of volunteers who want to see a fundamentally different way of life where people care less about what they can get just for themselves and more about the happiness of others.

The charity produces monthly action calendars, which invite people to take small daily actions to improve their own happiness and that of their community.

Dr David Smart and many of the cyclists are supporters of the charity and have worked hard to promote the Action for Happiness framework across healthcare in the county.

He said: “Obesity doesn’t just matter to our future selves it matters to ourselves today. We know that the risk of requiring hospital treatment for COVID-19 doubles and obesity also increases the risk of dying from COVID-19 by 50%.

“Having taken up cycling over the last decade I have lost 18 KG in weight making me the same weight as when I joined general practise 30 years ago. Not only will this reduce my risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease but also cancer and dementia, so I hope I can age well.”

The group set off at 7am from Delapre Abbey, on August 16 before they encountered an unexpected random act of kindness at their first scheduled stop where the generous team at Watermill Tea Rooms donated the cost of the group’s breakfast, which was over £50, to the fundraising pot.

Despite the forecasted thunderstorms and torrential rain, the group remained dry until the last two hours of their 12-hour journey around Northamptonshire.

Dr Smart added: “I am incredibly grateful to people who have contributed to the cause of promoting Action for Happiness in our town to encourage well-being.

"I’m also grateful to the many businesses who have contributed, as we know that for every £1 invested in mental wellbeing there is a £3 return by improving the wellbeing of the workforce.

“Cycling the 125 miles with friends new and old has certainly helped me put all 10 Keys of Happier Living into practice in one day."

The fundraising pot is still open until the end of October and you still can contribute both individually and as an organisation here.