Cumbrian cyclist sets world record by crossing counties

A cyclist’s week-long crossing of 43 UK counties has been confirmed as a new world record.

Scott Mitchell, from Endmoor, South Cumbria, cycled through 43 of England’s 48 counties to share awareness of muscle-wasting conditions.

Guinness has now confirmed his achievement in June 2023 was a world record.

Mr Mitchell said he would continue doing challenges for his son, Alex, who lives with Becker muscular dystrophy.

Mr Mitchell set off from Cornwall on 16 June and travelled across England, finishing in Lancashire six days later.

He raised almost £7,300 for Muscular Dystrophy UK, a charity he has supported since his son’s diagnosis nine years ago.

Mr Mitchell said he wanted to raise awareness about there being currently no cure for Becker muscular dystrophy.

“More than anything, I need the world to see what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and to spread the word,” he said, adding: “For Alex, the basics are hard – getting out of bed, getting from room to room – but it affects him mentally as well as physically.

“The progression of his condition is becoming increasingly obvious and impacts every aspect of his life, which is heartbreaking to watch as a parent.”

Mr Mitchell said getting the world record title was “amazing” but it was “just the start” as he plans to complete a bigger challenge in 2025.