Dad to take on epic cycling challenge in aid of trust

A dad who found himself in need of support as he struggled with debt is preparing to take on an epic bike ride in aid of Derventio Housing Trust.

Joe Hodgkins turned to Derventio back in 2019 when he struggled to find a place to call his own.

The trust provided him with as a base while he got his life back on track.

Now, Joe is planning to say thanks by taking on a mammoth 950-mile bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of the trust.

Money raised will help support its work providing housing and support for those facing homelessness.

The 28-year-old was living in Stafford at the time when he asked for help.

He said: “It was nothing in particular that had happened but it was the culmination of things.

“I was in quite a bit of debt, and I didn’t know what I was doing in life.

“I didn’t have a career. I ended up just being in debt with no money. I found it hard being at my mum and dad’s and nothing seemed to work.

“I needed my independence and to start from scratch. I found myself couch surfing and with no fixed home.”

The trust provides nearly 700 bed spaces of accommodation in five counties of the UK – including Derbyshire and Staffordshire – for people who have recently been homeless or at risk of it.

Joe stayed in his Derventio property for around five months, and it was in that time that he met his partner and they then moved into a new home together.

Joe, who now works as a delivery driver, said: “It just helped me as I had a base. Then I started work and met a girl and I moved out.

“I would like to thank Derventio for helping me get back on my feet and not worry about housing.

“I want to thank them for offering me the room which was a platform that I could build everything back up from.”

Now he is planning the bike ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, starting on 15 April. He expects it to take between 16 and 18 days to complete.

Joe said: “It was the first organisation that came to mind when I sat down to brainstorm who to raise money for. I’ve not really been helped by anyone else in the past apart from Derventio.

“I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. I’m quite apprehensive but I think most of that is excitement to be honest! It will be a marathon not a sprint.”

To sponsor Joe’s ride, visit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/LEJOG-by-joe/ .