Ludlow pals back from American odyssey in memory of friend Joel
A homecoming party was held for four friends, back in the UK fresh from their 4,000-mile journey across the USA.
Ludlow friends Kyle Williams, 24, Richard Clarke, 25, George Jacks, 24, and Mike Baker, 25, were celebrating being back on home turf after Kyle cycled through 15 states, coast to coast with the others as his support team.
Starting from San Francisco on April 21, the team arrived in New York on June 10, where website designer Kyle proposed to girlfriend Singkan Hui, who was there to meet him.
On Sunday night they were met by friends, family and well wishers at Ludlow's Chang Thai restaurant on Market Street, where there was a barbecue in the afternoon and music in the evening to welcome the team home and raise yet more money.
The four under took the gruelling journey in memory of Joel Lawrence, who died of stomach cancer aged 19 in 2010.
They have raised more than £15,000 for charity Joel's Wish, which was set up to help young people with cancer, and hope yet to crack the £20,000 mark.
The epic journey was organised by Ludlow Rotary Club, who contacted clubs across the USA who fed and put up the team, as well as helping with fundraising.
Thanking all those who have helped with the trip, Kyle said: "I have been overwhelmed with how humbling the experience from the cycle ride has been.
"With your help we have been able to raise awareness of Joel's Wish to over 500,000 people.
"Joel was my best friend and I feel extremely proud to have lived out his dream of travelling across America.
"Any donations will go towards supporting young adults with cancer by means of funding for travel, accommodation and equipment costs.
"We want to ensure families and patients don't have to worry about the financial implications of cancer, instead spending their time making priceless memories."
To donate to Joel's Wish text JOEL53 (plus donation amount) to 70070.
