Cycling Team Completes 210-mile Coast-to-coast Challenge
100MilesForMax rides in memory of Southfield Primary pupil
The100MilesForMax team
June 24, 2026
A Chiswick-based cycling team formed in memory of Southfield Primary School pupil Maxence Martin has successfully completed its most ambitious challenge yet — a 210-mile coast-to-coast ride from the Isle of Sheppey to the Bristol Channel, all in a single day.
The team, 100MilesForMax, was created five years ago by Maxence’s father, Tanguy Martin, after months spent cycling back and forth to Great Ormond Street Hospital during his son’s treatment for a paediatric low-grade glioma. What began as one father’s way of coping with the unthinkable has grown into a community mission to raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s largest dedicated funder of brain tumour research.
Since its first ride to Brighton, the group has raised more than £60,000 to support research led by the doctors and professors who cared for Maxence. This year’s challenge — the Chase the Sun ride on Saturday 20 June — marked the team’s fifth anniversary and their longest route yet, covering 210 miles between sunrise and sunset.
“It was a wonderful event where we stayed together most of the day,” said Tanguy. “We had a great support team which allowed us to be really independent and progress efficiently. Finally, we raised £22,600, and the page is still open for donations.”
For most of the riders, the distance was a first. Only two had previously completed such a long route, making the achievement a major personal milestone.
The team chased the sun ahead of the longest day
The Brain Tumour Charity funds pioneering research into childhood brain cancers, including studies at Great Ormond Street Hospital into FGFR-altered gliomas, a mutation affecting around 10% of paediatric cases. Despite progress, there are still no approved targeted therapies for children, and existing treatments offer only modest results — a reality that drives the Chiswick team’s determination each year.
“Although Maxence is no longer with us, his spirit drives every mile we ride,” said the group. “Our commitment has only grown stronger.”
Max (right) with his father Tanguy
The team will next take part in the London to Brighton ride and is inviting new cyclists to join.
Anyone interested can contact 100milesforMax@gmail.com or donate via the 100MilesForMax JustGiving page.
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