Tribute ride to murdered MP Jo Cox will pass through Aylesbury

The Jo Cox Way, a cycle ride founded in memory of the murdered MP, returns for 2021, more committed than ever to spreading its message of hope and reconnection as the country and its communities open up in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pictures from the 2019 eventPictures from the 2019 event
Pictures from the 2019 event

Kim Leadbeater, MBE, Jo’s sister and ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation, will get on her bike to lead more than 70 mixed-ability cyclists on the 280-mile, five-day journey from West Yorkshire to London this summer. The foundation keeps the former Batley & Spen MP’s legacy alive by flying the flag for community spirit and supporting causes that were important to her.

As a fitting tribute to Jo, they will set off from the Princess Mary Stadium, Cleckheaton – in her constituency – on Wednesday 28 July and arrive in London on Sunday 1 August. There will be overnight stops in Buxton, Derbyshire, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, and Uxbridge, Middlesex.

Kim, who was included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for her services to social cohesion and loneliness, said: “I am delighted and extremely excited that the Jo Cox Way ride is back, providing a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and different backgrounds to connect and engage with one another.

“The past 12 months has been incredibly challenging for us all, as so many people have been affected by lockdown and physical distancing. But it is amazing to see that, despite all the difficulties, many people’s commitment to making a difference has only grown stronger, with cyclists joining together for a reinvigorated ride to celebrate the fact that we have ‘far more in common than that which divides us’ – words from Jo’s maiden speech in Parliament.”

The wheels on this pedal-powered initiative were set in motion five years ago by North Yorkshire business executive and keen cyclist Sarfraz Mian. “This year’s ride is going to play an important role in helping to establish a new normal for us all,” he said. “Individuals taking part will form lasting friendships through this shared experience and we will celebrate community in the towns and villages we ride through and do our bit to bring business to local hotels, shops, cafés and pubs as we wend our way through the countryside.

“I never actually met Jo, but her belief in creating a fairer, kinder world for everyone really touched me and spurred me on to develop the Jo Cox Way so that I and my fellow cyclists can help continue her work and celebrate her big heart, generosity of spirit and commitment to bring about change.”

The five-day ride has proved so popular this year that it is now full up for those wishing to cycle the entire route. However, anyone still interested in taking part is invited to join the group as a day rider on different sections of the journey. Full details can be found on the Jo Cox Way Facebook page and website, www.thejocoxway.org.uk.

This year, organisers are also running a virtual ride to allow people from all over the world to participate by getting on their bikes and pledging miles. “We introduced this model last year, when Covid brought a halt to our original plans, and couldn’t believe just how successful it was,” explained Kim. “We set a target of 25,000 miles – the distance required to circumnavigate the globe – and were astounded to see this smashed by families, community groups, friends and individuals who clocked up a staggering 30,267 miles between them.

“Cyclists loved taking part and really rose to the challenge, so the virtual ride is back by popular demand – and this time we are aiming to cycle twice around the world, a total of 50,000 miles! Anyone can join in by doing a short family ride or taking on their own personal physical challenge.”

For anyone wishing to sponsor the cyclists, donations can be made to the Jo Cox Foundation via a fundraising page that can be found at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/jocoxway2021