This month, former UK special forces soldier Dean Stott, who only took up cycling in 2016, embarks on an epic adventure as he attempts to pedal 14,000 miles along the Pan-American Highway in a world record time, in partnership with the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation.
Inspired by the work of his friend Prince Harry in raising awareness of mental health issues, Dean aims to raise £1 million for the eight Heads Together charities that make up the campaign and further the conversation about mental health.
Dean’s journey begins at the southern tip of South America in Ushuaia, Argentina, and he will follow the Pan-American Highway to its finishing point in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. The gruelling journey through 14 countries will see Dean cross rough terrain and snow-capped mountains.
To beat the current world record, which was set in 2015, Dean needs to complete his campaign in under 117 days, 5 hours. However, Dean is giving himself just 110 days to complete the challenge; with a return journey to the UK planned for mid-May.
Dean’s expedition is in partnership with the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation, the charitable arm of St. James’s Place. Since its formation in 1992, the Charitable Foundation has raised over £70 million, supporting thousands of charities. The Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting mental health causes, alongside support for disadvantaged children and young people, combating cancer and the Hospice Movement.
You can track every pedal of his journey and donate via the Pan-American Highway Challenge website.
We wish you luck Dean – we are all behind you!