NATIONAL events organiser for the Townswomen’s Guild Kelly Jones took a break in Wellington during her cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End.

As Kelly rode into the Skylark car park at the end of day seven of her ride Townswomen’s Guild Wellington members had much to celebrate.

Kelly, who was born in Somerset, joined Townswomen Guild staff less than a year ago and decided to set herself a challenge.

The route from John O’Groats to Lands End is almost 1,000 miles and Kelly finished her mammoth cycle ride on Sunday, July 10, after eight-and-a-half days of cycling.

She stopped in Wellington on Friday, July 8, to rapturous applause. The bunting was held aloft by several ladies from the Wellington branch and the Somerset Federation banner was also on display.

National Townswomen’s Guild chairman Jenny Rideout and her husband Rod were present as Kelly rode into Wellington at 6.30pm. She had completed 115 miles on her seventh leg with only a day and a half to go.

Her friend Maria had followed in the motorhome they had hired from Great Escapes Motorhome Hire at a discounted price when it heard the ride was for charity. This has cut the cost of the trip with more to give to the charities Kelly is supporting.

As well as Townswomen’s Guild, Kelly chose When You Wish Upon a Star, which provides holidays for children with terminal illnesses. Final amounts will be published on the Towns-women’s Guild website and possibly on Facebook where Kelly has had a great following.

It makes me feel proud of Wellington once again when I realise how we pull out the all the stops to ensure a good welcome to everyone who visits our town, even when they are only passing through.

A big thank you on behalf of Townswomen’s Guild Wellington to all those who came to welcome Kelly. A very big thank you goes to Martin, and Kaye at the Skylark, who provided a meal for Kelly and Maria free of charge. Also to all the staff for the excellent service they delivered to the group who dined there on Friday.

Kelly said once finished she could tick the cycle ride off her bucket list but did not feel she would do it again. She added the busy areas around Preston and Manchester had been particularly challenging and how after been knocked off her bike in Preston she had managed to continue.

After stopping off at her home in Somerset she had found the hills difficult but knew she still had more to come – the hardest challenge was to keep going.

Finally, I would like to thank Kelly for all her hard work but mostly for taking the time to call and see us in Wellington. Good luck to Kelly for all her future endeavours – having met her I feel sure there will be many.

­ANGIE FILLER