Round the world cyclist

Back in 1977 Jeremy Scott was a sick young child lying in an Auckland hospital bed waiting for life changing open heart surgery at the hands of renowned cardiologist Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes. Thirty four years later he was well aware he had been given a second chance in life, so he set off on his bicycle… half-way around the planet.

Cycling solo, without sponsorship or the benefit of a support crew Jeremy pedalled 51,916km crossing 29 countries on his ride from London to Auckland. To put those distances into perspective, that is more than enough to circumnavigate the earth.

Temperatures in the saddle ranged from 20ºC below freezing in the Turkish mountains to being well in excess of 50ºC in the sweltering deserts of Western China. Wild dogs, wolves, bears  and crocodiles ensured there were many restless nights camping in the wild, while snow blizzards, sandstorms, floods and typhoons provided a constant reminder of just how insignificant we are in the big picture.

Jeremy fought with a shepherd in Uzbekistan who tried to steal his camera. He was interrogated by the Iranian military who waved guns in his face while angrily insinuating he was a spy. He had two separate terrifying encounters with Iranian and Filipino Mafia where he found himself methodically and calmly plotting how many people he needed to kill for his own survival, which thankfully turned out to be none. It would be quite an understatement to say that this was not a journey for the faint hearted.

Two years and seven months after leaving his flat in London his epic challenge came to an emotional conclusion in his hometown of Auckland. A phenomenal journey that he says would not have been possible if it were not for those brilliant cardiologists who gave him another chance in life.

“This was more than just a remarkable challenge and adventure; it was a journey of self-discovery,” he says. “I departed London incredibly nervous and unsure of what I was attempting but finished knowing I could achieve almost anything if I put my mind to it. This story is a vivid and clear reminder of what we are all possible of achieving if we believe in ourselves and have the courage to chase our dreams.

Jeremy’s journey from the operating table in Auckland to a round the world cyclist is a remarkable story that deserves to be shared.