A personal trainer orphaned as a child has cycled nearly 1,000 miles across England and Scotland in nine days.

James Beeson's journey began on August 14 as the 41-year-old decided to undertake this journey for a significant cause. 

Mr Beeson, from New Milton, embarked a solo Ride Across Britain challenge, travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Mr Beeson had a specific cause in mind as he lost his parents at a young age and sought to raise funds for Winston’s Wish and Simon Says.

Mr Beeson said "I had just turned seven when I lost my dad in a car accident on the way home from his works Christmas party.

"Just five years later just as I started secondary school, I also lost my mum to cancer. I know from personal experience just how difficult it is to cope with grief, as a young child and especially as you get older.

"I was one of the fortunate ones in that my aunt and uncle took me in but there was no professional support easily available to kids in my situation.

"Simon Says is a local charity and Winston’s Wish supports grieving kids all over the UK and they continue to support bereaved young people right to the age of 25 which I think is a really critical stage, especially when you’ve suffered bereavement.

"You’re trying to navigate lots of circumstances. You are expected to be an adult and grow up but you start questioning everything and struggle to fit into a normal world."

Both charities support bereaved children and young people. His efforts have already raised several thousands of pounds. Statistics show that each day, over a hundred young people lose a parent.

This figure is exclusive of the number of children grappling with the loss of a friend, sibling, teacher or another significant person in their lives.

Winston’s Wish, established in 1992, has been assisting bereaved young people and the adults surrounding them for over three decades.

Their aid ranges from online content and podcasts to live chat on the website, freephone and ask inbox, and one-to-one sessions by referral.