Stone resident David Holdway – also known as Grampadave – is setting off on an incredible 1500km cycling adventure this May to raise money for the CALM charity, inspired by the memory of local lad Jon Robinson.
Pedalling with a purpose
On 5th May, 60-year-old David Holdway will embark on a journey like no other. A self-described “novice cyclist with all the gear but not much idea,” David is determined to complete his first long-distance ride: cycling from the source of the Rhine in Andermatt, Switzerland, all the way back home to Stone.
The trip will cover an impressive 1500km and will take David through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France and the Netherlands before he hops on a ferry to Harwich and cycles across England via Ipswich, Cambridge, Leicester and Burton, finishing triumphantly back in Stone.
What makes this journey even more special is the reason behind it. David is raising funds for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) in memory of Jon Robinson, a young man from Stone who sadly took his own life last year. His tragic passing has left a deep impact on family, friends and the wider Stone community.
David shared: “None of us suspected that was where he was and it was a huge shock to family and friends who are still trying to come to terms with their loss. Fundraising for CALM in the hope of preventing this happening to another family is the best we can do.”
A unique route with a world record twist
In true Grampadave style, he’s added a fun twist to his adventure. As the specific route he’s planned hasn’t been recorded before, David is cheekily claiming it as a “world record” unless anyone tells him otherwise!
His route will see him:
- Start from Andermatt in Switzerland
- Cycle along the Rhine through Switzerland and briefly into Liechtenstein
- Travel around Lake Konstanz
- Move into France, passing through Colmar and Strasbourg
- Head into Germany, including a stop in Cologne
- Cross the Netherlands to the North Sea
- Take a ferry to Harwich and cycle home via Cambridge, Leicester, Burton and finally, Stone
David will also have daily live tracking available once he starts, allowing supporters to follow his progress.
Supporting CALM in memory of Jon
The CALM charity works to prevent suicide, providing support for anyone struggling with their mental health. By supporting David’s ride, the Stone community can help raise vital funds and awareness to help prevent future tragedies.
If you would like to support David’s incredible challenge and honour Jon’s memory, you can donate through his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/david-holdway-1
David summed up his mission with humility and humour, saying, “It’s a bit random I know, but why not?”
We’ll be following Grampadave’s progress closely and cheering him on every kilometre of the way. Good luck, Dave – Stone is behind you all the way!
