Fil-Brit Cyclist Bikes from UK to China

Filipino-British cyclist Sunil Kandola raises his bike in triumph as he reaches the final leg of his journey in Beijing. (Sunil Kandola, Instagram photo)

LONDON 04 October 2019 — Ambassador to the United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo welcomed Filipino-British cyclist Sunil Kandola on 26 September 2019 at the Philippine Embassy in London following the latter’s successful journey by bicycle from the United Kingdom to China.

Mr. Kandola cycled for a total of 116 days, traversing 19 countries in two continents. His journey began on 22 February 2019 in Oxford, England and concluded on 03 September 2019 in Beijing, China.

The former British Army commissioned officer undertook the arduous 9,000-mile (14,000 kilometer) 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,” said Ambassador Lagdameo.  “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, Mr. 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 mentioned, “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 one 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 in Instagram. END

Ambassador to United Kingdom Antonio M. Lagdameo (right) receives Mr. Kandola (left) during a courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy in London on 26 September 2019. (Senen Mangalile photo)

(Sunil Kandola, Instagram photos)

For more information, visit https://www.londonpe.dfa.gov.phor https://www.facebook.com/pg/PHLinUKor https://twitter.com/philippinesinuk