Andrew Crompton cycles from Manchester to Melbourne to raise funds for carers

Bolton businessman Andrew Crompton took on an incredible challenge, cycling thousands of miles from Manchester to Melbourne, Australia.

His journey raised a huge amount of funds for unpaid carers in partnership with Carers Trust deprived children in partnership with Bolton Lads and Girls Club, two charities he has passionately supported for years.

After embarking on a 15,500km cycling adventure from Bolton, Andrew Crompton triumphantly reached Melbourne which took eight months.

The 58-year-old insurance broker set off with minimal training. His remarkable journey included breaking a wrist, evading wild dogs in Turkey, navigating sandstorms in Saudi Arabia, and accidentally interrupting a sauna ceremony with a group of naked Germans.

Andrew crossed the finish line at Yarra Yarra Rowing Club, completing his incredible trek through 18 countries.

The Australian segment proved to be the longest and most challenging part of Andrew's journey.

He faced intense conditions, cycling in 100% humidity and temperatures reaching 35°C on busy highways, narrowly avoiding massive trucks just inches away.

He tackled 600km of steep hills, ascending between 4,000 and 5,000 feet daily. Accompanying him throughout this demanding trek is his close friend John “Millsie” Mills, who has been driving the support vehicle.

Reflecting afterwards when Andrew said,

“At the time I was thinking of all those 200 rides and 15,000 kilometres in front of me so it just didn't quite sink in. But I've got to say it has done now."

"There’s only been one point in the desert where I really questioned it and that was 7 November, I’ll never forget it."

"I’d finished that day and there’s a picture where I've got this look of agony on my face and I'm thinking ‘God this is this is too hard’. But that’s the only moment of real self-doubt I had through the whole journey.”

Andrew expressed that the generosity of donors and the kindness of those he encountered during his journey have been truly remarkable.

He said: “The response we’ve had is incredible, it really does restore your faith in humankind. I can't tell you how warm a welcome we've had across the world.”