It was in April 2025, that several members of Travellers Lodge No 4679, which is based in Warrington, travelled down to Grand Lodge in London to attend the installation ceremony at Pax-Humana Lodge No 3908.
The reason being was that Davor Parker from Travellers Lodge is an honorary member of Pax-Humana Lodge and was returning to his mother lodge, an annual tradition observed by Travellers Lodge members for several years. During the festive board, news emerged that Pax-Humana Lodge members were preparing to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats in memory of Pax -Humana Lodge member, Pat Wheeler’s wife, Jenny.
Jenny sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in December 2023. Pat, a lifelong cycling enthusiast, rallied the Pax -Humana Lodge boys, most in their 60s, and some new to cycling, to take on the 900-mile challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Their goal is to raise essential funds for the Bedfordshire MND Group, which provided significant support to Pat and Jenny throughout her illness.
This was where the Travellers Lodge boys offered their help and support. Neil Thomas, Ferdinand Dee and John Moore, who are also cyclists, wanted to be part of the ride. It was agreed they would join up with them for the Nantwich to Garstang stage, which passed through Warrington.
The ride was set to start in August, with cyclists Ray Hamilton and his brother, Martin, along with James Henderson, covering the iconic cross-Britain route in two weeks. The Travellers Lodge boys were set to meet up with them for stage six, Nantwich to Garstang ride.
Pat was unable to cycle, but accompanied the team in one of the two designated support vehicles with George Campbell, Duncan Ward, Mark and Jane Ward. Neil Thomas spoke with the Warrington Group Executive and arranged for the Warrington Masonic Hall to be opened for the cyclists and entourage to stop en route.
The day came, and Neil Thomas had arranged to meet the cyclists just outside Warrington at the Hatton Arms, to cycle with the boys and escort them to Warrington Masonic Hall. Martin Wolfe from MND Cheshire also joined up with them for the ride into Warrington. Neil’s wife Gill guided and escorted the support vehicles to the Masonic hall whilst the group of cyclists made up of Neil, Ray Hamilton, Martin Hamilton and Martin Wolfe cycled to the hall.
The Warrington Group Chairman, John Tyrer, along with group secretary Nick Delaney, Provincial Grand Communications Officer Paul Brunskill, supporters and support crew were all waiting when they arrived. With light refreshments in hand, the cyclists had a short break for photographs at the Golden Gates, a tour and photographs in front of the hall before they departed.
The cyclists faced a challenging 60-mile journey from Warrington to Garstang, with the route requiring careful planning to avoid four major motorways. Prioritising safety, the team chose to travel along quieter back roads and scenic canal towpaths rather than taking a direct approach. Fortunately, the warm and sunny weather made these detours enjoyable.
Cycling at a steady pace of 10 mph, the day passed with ease. John Moore provided the support vehicle for the Warrington Group, popping up at regular intervals on the way, providing refreshments and snacks if needed. Duncan Ward and George Campbell had set up at the halfway mark to provide the boys with lunch, and then refreshments and snacks later throughout the day. There were some parts of the ride which were a bit muddy and unpassable, but thanks to modern technology, this allowed speedy updates for change of route.
With about seven miles to go, the heavens opened, so all the cyclists could do was put their feet down and get to the finish line at Garstang Sports Club. The rain did not deter them and they all arrived in good spirits.
To support the ride or donate to the cause, visit the official JustGiving page by clicking here. You can find more information on MND and how to get involved locally by clicking here.
