No place like home(s)

One man and his friends, a 60th birthday, 700 miles and more than £5,000 raised. Meet Jon…

As Jonathan Price neared his 60th birthday, his thoughts turned to the many different homes he’d enjoyed over the years.

‘I was reflecting on all the places I’ve lived, and how good they have been,’ says Jon (pictured), who’s lived in no less than 27 houses spanning Australia, Tanzania and Kenya as well as the UK!

‘A caring, stable home is important for every person.

‘I’ve always had the benefit of this, but not everyone can say the same.’

To mark his birthday and reconnect with his past, Jon decided to do an epic bike ride between all the houses he’s lived in (the UK ones at least, he decided it would be a bit too ambitious to include those overseas!) And to make it mean even more, Jon decided to do the ride as a fundraiser for Ella’s. Jon has been supporting Ella’s since we opened our first safe house in 2016, and is committed to our mission to help survivors recover and thrive.

‘For the women at Ella’s, it’s crucial that they have a safe home where they can heal and get their lives on track,’ says Jon. ‘This was my inspiration for the bike ride – the importance of home.’

Miles and smiles

Juggling work and family commitments, ICT Manager Jon split his 700 mile (1,126 km) ride into stages, cycling for 12 days in total over several weekends.

Jon started off in Knowle, Solihull, where he was born. He then rode between various former homes in the South West before crossing the River Severn to Cardiff, where he went to university. His route took him north next, all the way to Yorkshire, before finishing back in Chester.

Jon (right), Jayne (centre), their friend Paul and the campervan that was home during the challenge.

Jon’s wife Jayne accompanied him on the ride, driving the campervan they sourced as a support vehicle. Their friends and family, including children Emily and Anna, cheered them along the way, a number of them – Paul, Greg and Daf – even joining for parts of the ride.

There were steep hills and cruel headwinds, making for some tough days. The low was when both Jon and Jayne came down with a 24-hour bug and had to take a forced break, but the ride was also full of highs...

The scenery was stunning and the couple made new friends along the way, receiving sponsorship support from strangers and featuring in the local news. They reconnected with old friends too, including Jon’s best man, Rod. They even ate lunch by St Peter’s in Birstall, the church where Jon and Jayne were married in 1988 ♥️

‘I really enjoyed the ride, re-visiting homes… some of which I remembered and some I didn't,’ says Jon. ‘It was great exploring the British countryside by bike and I had some wonderful moments, cycling alone and also with friends. I was overwhelmed with the support I had in so many ways, and really pleased with the fundraising total for Ella's.’

By the time he’d finished the ride, Jon had raised an incredible £5,600 for Ella’s. Every pound will help unlock freedom among women who’ve survived trafficking and exploitation, and we are so grateful.

What a feat, and what a way to turn 60! Thank you Jon.

Photos: Jonathan Price/Ella's