Team Ecogenesys came together on Friday 14th August 2026 to support long-standing DEFRA colleague and friend, Graeme Vickery, as he and his fellow cyclists passed through the North West on their epic Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) challenge.

Graeme set off from Land’s End on 9th August, embarking on an incredible 1,010-mile journey over 14 days to reach John O’Groats, while raising money for two charities that are particularly important to him: Demelza, a children’s hospice charity based in Kent, and Changing Minds with Pick Up a Penny, based in Newcastle upon Tyne.

A pit stop from Team Ecogenesys

WEEE Producer Compliance Scheme colleagues came together to give the riders a well-earned Ecogenesys pit stop and some much-needed encouragement and fuel for the miles ahead.

Laura Crehan, Head of Strategic Operations, was on hand to present Graeme with a £1,000 donation from Ecogenesys, to be split between his two chosen charities.

Andy Kellar made sure nobody left short of energy, preparing protein and treat bags for Graeme and his fellow cyclists to take on the road, while Graeme Milne joined colleagues in welcoming the riders and giving them plenty of encouragement for the next stage of the challenge.

And, in true Northern style, we couldn’t let them leave without a few treats.

Ice cream and cold drinks were waiting at the pit stop, while a specially made cake was donated for Graeme and the cyclists to take with them, ready to enjoy when they officially reached the halfway point of their 1,010-mile journey on Saturday.

Collaboration on and off the bikes

Graeme’s LEJOG journey is a significant personal undertaking, but it is also very much a team challenge.

While the cyclists are tackling the miles together, supporting and encouraging one another through 14 demanding days on the road. Back at Ecogenesys, our own 1,010-mile challenge reflects that same spirit of collaboration.

Laura Crehan, Head of Strategic Operations at Ecogenesys, said: “It was fantastic to bring Team Ecogenesys together to welcome Graeme and his fellow cyclists as they made their way through the North West. Graeme is a long-standing colleague and friend to many of us, so being able to mark such an important milestone in his journey was really special.

“Graeme has his fellow riders alongside him on the road, while our Ride with Graeme Challenge means colleagues across Ecogenesys can get involved and clock up their own miles in support. Whether someone walks one mile or cycles 50, it all contributes to that shared 1,010-mile goal.

“We were also delighted to present Graeme with a £1,000 donation towards his fundraising for two very worthwhile causes. We’ll be following his progress all the way to John O’Groats and hopefully Team Ecogenesys can reach our own 1,010-mile target alongside him!”

Two fantastic causes

Graeme is using his 1,010-mile challenge to raise funds for Demelza and Changing Minds with Pick Up a Penny, with personal reasons behind his decision to support both charities.

Ecogenesys’ £1,000 donation will be split between the two charities, adding to the money Graeme is raising throughout his journey.

You can find out more about Graeme’s personal reasons for selecting these two worthwhile causes and support his fundraising through his JustGiving pages:

Everyone at Ecogenesys wishes Graeme and his fellow cyclists safe riding and strong legs for the remaining miles.

Can Team Ecogenesys hit 1,010 miles before Graeme reaches John O’Groats?