This morning, Paul Harrison, Co-founder of EthOss and his wife Debbie will set off from Liversedge in West Yorkshire on what promises to be a memorable and challenging journey. Over the next five days, they will be cycling more than 290 miles to central London, following a circuitous route as part of the annual Jo Cox Way ride.
They are doing it as part of a team of eight riders from Ilkley Cycling Club, all united by a shared love of cycling and a commitment to supporting a cause that carries a powerful message of kindness, community and unity.
Riding in Memory of Jo Cox
This year marks ten years since the tragic murder of Jo Cox, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, who was killed in her constituency in 2016. Jo was a passionate humanitarian and campaigner. Her famous words, first spoken in her maiden speech to Parliament in June 2015, continue to inspire people across the UK.
"We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us." [i]
Her words have become a lasting legacy and continue to inspire people across the country.
The Jo Cox Way was created to honour her life and values. Each year, cyclists ride from Batley, Jo’s hometown and constituency, to London, bringing together people from all backgrounds through a shared challenge and a common purpose.
The Challenge Ahead
The route covers approximately 298 miles over five days, taking riders from West Yorkshire to the capital. It’s a demanding ride, requiring determination, teamwork and more than a little resilience, especially if the British weather decides to make an appearance.
For Paul, Debbie, and the rest of the Ilkley Cycling Club team, this is about much more than the miles. It’s about supporting the work of the Jo Cox Foundation, which continues to champion stronger communities, greater connection and more compassionate public discourse.
Since 2021, participants in the Jo Cox Way have helped raise over £83,000 for the Foundation, enabling it to continue its mission of bringing people together across the UK. [ii]
A Cause Worth Supporting
The Jo Cox Foundation works to build a kinder, fairer and more connected society. Its work reflects Jo's belief that positive change happens when people work together, listen to one another and focus on what unites us rather than what separates us.
Those values feel particularly important today.
Paul Harrison commented: “The values of The Joe Cox Foundation is what will be carrying us through every climb, every mile and every long day in the saddle over the coming week.
Thank You
We know that many friends, family members and fellow cyclists will be following their progress over the next few days, and here at EthOss, we are incredibly proud to back them. If you would like to support Paul and Debbie and the important work of The Jo Cox Foundation that helps ensure Jo's message continues to make a difference, you can donate here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-jo-cox-foundation
As the team head south towards London, it's important to remind ourselves of the principle at the heart of this ride:
We have more in common than that which divides us.
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