Officers take on 237-mile challenge for “absolutely invaluable” charity

Two Cambridgeshire police officers are gearing up to take on an epic 237-mile challenge from the lowest point in the UK to the summit of Mount Snowdon.

Detective Sergeant Scott Lloyd and Inspector Paul Law are taking on the three-day challenge in May, cycling from Holme Fen, a mile south of Yaxley, and 23ft below sea level, before abandoning their bikes in Llanberis and hiking to the 3560ft peak of the Welsh mountain.

The challenge, which they’ve called “Highs and Lows”, is part of an initiative set up by the two officers to help improve and raise awareness of the importance of wellbeing for emergency workers and to raise money for the Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire (CPSL) mental health charity, Mind.

Scott and Paul are not doing it alone. On the final day they will be accompanied by Chief Constable Nick Dean and have invited officers and staff to join them on different legs of the challenge, or just show support as they pass checkpoints.

Paul, who works as a response officer alongside Scott at Thorpe Wood Police Station in Peterborough, said: “The recent pandemic has affected all of us, and many of us have struggled with mental health issues.

“We want to encourage and inspire others to open up and talk to someone when they are struggling and know that they don’t have to go through their mental health journey alone.

“I was diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) back in 2019, having struggled to share my emotions or my experiences. I just felt I could address them in my own way and in my own time, but it all become too much. Now I am open and honest about my battles to encourage and help others.

“The support that CPSL Mind provides is absolutely invaluable and that’s why we want to raise as much money as we can to help make a positive difference to so many lives.

“We’re hoping this challenge will motivate emergency services workers to connect and share their lived experiences, to get active and to support others whilst raising money for a great cause.

“If anyone is willing and able to, please donate, no matter how small it is. Every little helps and I would be most grateful to anyone who can spare a bit of change. Money raised will go towards supporting safe spaces in Peterborough and Cambridge for people experiencing a mental health crisis and to help aid their recovery. There is a sanctuary right at the centre of Peterborough staffed all year round.”

From 20 May, Scott and Paul will travel 100 miles a day to Snowdon and both men are in training. Scott is running the Police Marathon in April and Paul has begun hitting the country lanes of his home county of Lincolnshire to prepare for the miles ahead.

Paul completed the ‘Ride 100’ challenge a few years back and Scott has previously competed in marathons, ultras and triathlons but has never cycled more than 80 miles.

To donate or read more about the ‘Highs and Lows’ challenge, visit the JustGiving page here.