Ben and Sean’s two-wheeled adventure for hospice care

Sean Holland and Ben Connex are taking on an epic adventure: riding from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back – a staggering 3,200 miles – on learner-legal 125cc motorcycles!

This challenge is in memory of Sean’s brother, Colin, an avid motorcyclist, who was cared for by St Luke’s.

Sean and Ben met back in 1998 on the Southwest clubbing scene and have since become firm friends and fellow riders.

“We have always shared a love for two wheels and when the clubbing stopped, we became born again cyclists,” said Sean, Creative Director at NexPay, our card payment provider for all our shops.

“Over the years, our determination to get fit, (along with the patience and support of our respective partners) led to ever more daunting challenges.

“We have undertaken two mammoth cycling rides for charity. On our last trip, Ben suffered a bit of a scare with a ‘coronary incident’ whilst cycling up a mountain in the Alps! His recovery and the death of my brother put our adventures on hold for a while. But, while sharing a cold beer in the late summer of 2025, we realised we missed the adventures.

Colin was looked after by St Luke’s at home, after being diagnosed with cancer.

“He fought hard for three years. Thanks to St Luke’s, he was able to spend his last few weeks at home, with his family and his loving and devoted wife by his side.

“Colin was a keen motorcyclist, and often rode on big tours. He was no stranger to a racing circuit either. It was not unusual for him to have three or more motorcycles in his collection at any one time. He worked hard in his day job as a plumber, and motorcycles were a big release for him. When his license was taken away, it really affected him. Still, before that happened, he manged to squeeze in one last track day, despite having been through a debilitating round of treatment. He was a tough man. I miss going on long Sunday rides with him. Motorcycling was our way of keeping that brotherly bond going.

“St Luke’s gave Colin’s wife invaluable support in his last months. They were there for Colin every day, too. He was adamant that he wanted to be at home for the end, alongside his beloved wife, and a stone’s throw from his bikes. He had his 52nd birthday just before he passed. I can still see the smile on his face as his Honda NC30 burbled away outside the living room window where he had his bed. We had absolutely no hesitation in choosing St Luke’s as our chosen charity. The staff are angels.”

When it came to deciding on their next big adventure it was a no brainer that it should be done on motorcycles. The duo will be riding from Land’s End to John O Groats and back, via cycle routes and B roads, covering approximately 3200 miles. They will be doing it on 15hp Learner legal 125cc bikes and expect the trip to take a month.

Sean and Ben are funding the trip themselves, but they’re inviting local businesses to sponsor spaces on their bikes, with 100% of sponsorship funds going to St Luke’s.

Sponsors will be featured throughout the journey, in promotional visits, and even in the duo’s upcoming book (with profits donated to St Luke’s).

Want to get involved? Email Sean@nexpay.uk to secure your spot and help make a difference.

Follow their adventure on Ben & Sean’s Excellent Adventures on Facebook and cheer them on as they take on this epic challenge for an incredible cause! Help them on their way by sponsoring them on their JustGiving page here.

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