Rosemary Shrager to cycle 450 miles in Hendy fight against food poverty

TV chef Rosemary Shrager is gearing up for an epic 450-mile cycling challenge this June in a bid to raise awareness and vital funds to help tackle food poverty.

Starting at Land’s End in Cornwall and finishing at the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, the 74-year-old celebrity chef will take on the ambitious journey over 18 days, with all proceeds going to local charities via the Hendy Foundation.

Shrager’s challenge, titled Two Wheels for Meals, aims to raise £100,000 to support food welfare and poverty initiatives across the south of England.

The event is being organised by the Hendy Foundation, the independent charity associated with the AM100 Hendy dealership group, which will ensure that every penny raised goes directly to local organisations supporting those in need.

The cycle begins on 1 June at Land’s End and is set to conclude on 18 June at the Langdon Cliffs in Dover. Along the way, the celebrity chef will pause for a series of special public appearances on designated rest days, including live cooking demonstrations and charity visits.

Among the highlights will be a cookery event at Wimborne Community Garden during the Wimborne Folk Festival on 7 June, followed by appearances at Hendy Ford Eastleigh on 9 June, and Hendy Kia Tunbridge Wells on 16 June.

At each event, she will share practical tips for creating tasty, budget-friendly meals using everyday store-cupboard ingredients. Attendees will have the chance to sample the food and donate to the cause.

“I’ve been wanting to do this cycle challenge for more than five years, and at last I’ve found a wonderful group of people who believe in me,” she said. “It’s been quite a journey already, and I’m proud to be doing this for such an important cause that’s so close to my heart.”

Rebecca Hendy, chairperson and trustee of Hendy Foundation, added: “We’re all so proud of Rosemary and the incredible effort she’s put into her training. Her determination is truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to support her as she champions a cause that affects millions.”

The Hendy Foundation and Rosemary extended thanks to sponsors who helped make the challenge possible, including CitNOW Group, Cox Automotive, GardX, Keyloop, Warranty Admin Services, EMaC, Chefs on Stage and JLR Financial Services.

Since its launch, the Hendy Foundation has donated over £350,000 to nearly 250 charities across the South Coast, supporting communities in Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.