Riding ahead of the pack: Meet Joseph

25th September 2025

Meet Joseph, taking on our Tour de Moor a week early

When 13-year-old Joseph realised that he wouldn’t be able to make it to our Tour de Moor ride on Sunday, he didn’t let disappointment slow him down. Instead, he took on the challenge a week early, determined not to miss out on the event he had been looking forward to all year.

Avid bike lover, Joseph Florey, from Sherford, took part in our Tour de Moor with his dad for the first time last year. He loved it so much that he couldn’t wait to do it all over again this year and so signed up as soon as possible.

However unfortunately, he is due to undergo an operation just before the big day, meaning he would miss this year’s event. But Joseph was not going to let that stop him from completing the challenge. He got out on his bike at the weekend and battled the weather to ride the 11km route and has raised more than £100 in the process.

Joseph’s dad Graham, describes how his determination pushed him through the ride. ”I’ll never forget our first year – about a quarter of a mile in, Joe asked me, “Have we finished yet?” This year was a completely different story. He didn’t ask once – he just wanted to keep going further and faster! Even the rain couldn’t dampen his spirits.

“It was fine to begin with, but as we approached the tunnel the heavens opened! Joe even laughed, remembering from last year that it somehow rains inside the tunnel too.

“From the turnaround point, the real test began with the long climb back up to Yelverton. Joe did incredibly well – he never stopped once, just kept pedalling through the rain, smiling and determined. Even on the final steep hill, he pushed on without stopping and made it all the way to the top.”

For Joseph, cycling isn’t just a hobby – it’s a source of freedom and confidence, helping him navigate the barriers he faces in his daily life.

“What makes me especially proud is that Joe faces some big challenges day to day,” Graham says. “He was born with a neurological condition called polymyalgiaria, which affects his speech, chewing, and overall development.

“He also has physical additional needs, yet he never lets that hold him back. Cycling is something that brings him so much joy and freedom. Every year when he sees the posters for the Tour de Moor around the city, he gets so excited.

“That’s why this event means so much to us – not just as a ride, but as an opportunity for children like Joseph to take part, feel included, and be proud of what they achieve.”

If you’ve got a spot in our Tour de Moor on Sunday, now is the time to raise as much as you can in sponsorship. If every rider committed to raising at least £100, just like Joseph, we’ll collectively have enough to care for 100 families at home, which would make the world of difference.

Set up your JustGiving page Support Joseph’s fundraising

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