Going the Distance: Supporting Melissa Williams’ 126km Capital Ring Challenge

At Peddle My Wheels, we’ve always believed that cycling has the power to do more than just get people from A to B. It can support communities, enable meaningful challenges, and play a small but vital role in something much bigger. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to be supporting Melissa Williams as she takes on an extraordinary challenge this April.

A Remarkable Journey for an Important Cause

On Saturday 18 April 2026, Melissa will attempt to complete the entire 126km Capital Ring route around London in under 24 hours. Covering the equivalent of three consecutive marathons, the route spans 15 sections across multiple London boroughs and is typically completed over several days. Melissa will attempt it all in one continuous effort, starting at 6am from Brent Meadow in Hanwell and aiming to finish in the early hours of the following morning.

What makes this even more inspiring is that this is a completely self-organised challenge rather than an official race, adding an extra layer of determination, planning, and resilience.

Melissa is taking on this challenge to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, with the goal of exceeding £25,000. The cause is deeply personal. Melissa began supporting the charity in 2022 after her mum was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s at just 59.

As an ambassador for the charity, Melissa has become a powerful advocate, sharing her family’s experience to raise awareness of the devastating impact dementia has on nearly one million people across the UK. Her ability to tell this story has already seen her featured in national media, including a live interview on Sky News.

Lucy Bedford, Senior Relationship Fundraising Officer for London and Essex at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We’re so grateful to Melissa for once again supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of her mum Wendy. Melissa is no stranger to a fundraising challenge and so we can’t wait to see how she gets on with the Capital Ring Challenge.

“If nothing changes, one in two of us will be directly affected by dementia – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help us get closer to a cure for people with dementia and their loved ones. We wish Melissa the best of luck!”

You can support Melissa’s fundraising journey here:👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/melwilliams

How Peddle My Wheels Is Supporting

Through our Try Before You Bike scheme, we’re providing a bike to support Melissa during her challenge. While Melissa runs, her husband Luke will ride alongside her, carrying essential supplies such as food, drinks, and kit needed to sustain her through the day and night.

In endurance challenges like this, having a dedicated support rider can make a critical difference. It allows the runner to stay focused while ensuring they remain fuelled, safe, and supported throughout. We’re proud that one of our bikes will play a role in helping make this challenge possible.

What Is Try Before You Bike?

For those who aren’t familiar, our Try Before You Bike programme allows people across London boroughs to hire a bike on a flexible, low-commitment basis before deciding to buy. It’s designed to remove barriers to cycling and help more people discover how transformative it can be.

Find out more about the scheme here:👉 https://www.peddlemywheels.com/try-before-you-bike

Get Involved

Melissa has made this an open and inclusive challenge, inviting others to take part along the way. Supporters are encouraged to join her for key sections of the route, including:

• The start of her second marathon from Stoke Newington to Plaistow (late morning)

• The start of her third marathon from New Beckenham to Streatham Common (early evening)

These moments offer a unique opportunity for people to run alongside Melissa, show their support in person, and be part of something genuinely special. Others are welcome to take on sections of the Capital Ring in their own time in solidarity.

Throughout the challenge, updates, photos, and videos will be shared on social media, giving supporters the chance to follow her journey in real time.

From everyone at Peddle My Wheels, we wish Melissa the very best of luck. Her determination, courage, and commitment to such an important cause are truly inspiring. We’re honoured to play a small part in her journey.

If you’d like, I can tighten this again to keep it under a specific word or character limit with the quote included.