A former employee of The Leprosy Mission has completed the gruelling London–Edinburgh–London cycling challenge—this time, entirely solo.

Chris Macqueen leaves Ripon, London-bound early in the morning on August Bank Holiday Monday.

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Chris Macqueen, a father-of-two from Uxbridge, set out on the endurance ride at the start of August, joining the official event that draws over 2,000 riders every four years. However, when Storm Floris swept the UK, organisers were forced to cancel the event mid-ride due to gale force winds in the Scottish borders.

Unwilling to let down his sponsors or the cause he was riding for, Chris, 59, remained resolute. Determined to finish what he had started, he embarked on the official 950-mile route alone, setting off on Thursday morning and completing the journey this afternoon [Tuesday] — within the original event timeframe.

Averaging 180 miles a day, Chris rode through Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, across the Pennines, and into the Scottish Borders—before retracing his route back to London. Travelling light, he carried only essential cycling gear, tools and snacks, staying overnight with friends and family along the way.

Chris, who worked for The Leprosy Mission from 2006 to 2010 and served in Malaysia, took on the challenge to raise funds for the charity which supports people affected by leprosy across Asia and Africa.

He said: “With hindsight it was a bold decision to attempt London - Edinburgh - London solo without the encouragement of riding with others and all the support that LEL organisers and volunteers provide. A very active WhatsApp group of family and friends kept me going though, especially when I couldn’t complete the original challenge because of Storm Floris.

“I am very excited that so many people have given generously to support The Leprosy Mission whose valuable work I have seen first-hand.”

Chief Executive of The Leprosy Mission, Peter Waddup, praised Chris’s extraordinary effort:

“Only around 60% of participants usually complete the London–Edinburgh–London challenge, so to finish it solo, after the event was cancelled, is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s a true test of physical and mental resilience.

“We’ve been following Chris’s journey on Strava over the bank holiday weekend and have been cheering him on from afar. The money he has raised will transform lives—bringing hope, healing, and dignity to some of the world’s most marginalised people.

“It’s incredibly moving that the people Chris met nearly 20 years ago through his work with us still hold a place in his heart.”

Chris Macqueen reaches the finish line on Tuesday afternoon and is met by wife Cathy and his favourite carrot cake!

To support Chris please visit: London-Edinburgh-London for The Leprosy Mission Great Britain