Fil-Brit pedals from UK to China to raise funds

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino-British cyclist Sunil Kandola completed his successful journey by bicycle from the United Kingdom to China for nearly four months to raise funds for Save the Children.

Kandola cycled for 116 days, across 19 countries in two continents.

His journey began on Feb. 22 in Oxford, England and ended on Sept. 3 in Beijing, China.

Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo recently welcomed Kandola at the Philippine embassy in London following the successful journey by bicycle.

The former British Army commissioned officer undertook the 9,000-mile (14,000 kilometers) bike ride to raise funds for Save the Children, a non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to helping children around the world live happy and healthy lives. 

“Sunil’s strength and selflessness are truly admirable,” Lagdameo said. “He is a shining example of how far a person can go for as long as he or she puts his or her heart into it.”

In a story published in JustGiving.com, Kandola described his journey as the “toughest physical and mental challenge to date,” but “fully expecting it to be the most rewarding also.” 

In the article, the Filipino-British cyclist said, “I’ll be completely self-sufficient on this trip, which is both exciting and nerve-racking and I plan to be away for six months.”

“Since returning home a week ago, I’ve barely had any time to breathe let alone reflect on the past six months. But the over-riding emotion is gratitude, of which you all contributed,” he said in a post on Instagram.