Liverpool sales engineer will cycle 340km across Sri Lanka for Claire House after being inspired by his mum

Meet Jake who is on a mission to raise money for Claire House Children’s Hospice.

For the last 10 years Jake Baigent has waved his mum off on a series of intrepid adventures from trekking across the Arctic Circle on a husky-driven sled to hiking through the Grand Canyon on foot – but now he’s setting off on his own epic challenge.

The 25-year-old sales engineer from Wirral is preparing to cycle almost the length of Sri Lanka, covering a distance of 340km – or just over 211 miles.

And he says he’s been inspired to take on the feat by his daredevil mum.

“I don’t think when I was younger I understood the extent of what she was doing or the money she was raising, and then I realised how incredible – and stupid – she was at the same time,” he grins.

“But she finally got me. After years of asking me to join her on her absolutely mental challenges across the globe, she has finally got me to agree to one. And what a trial it will be!”

Jake has already begun training for the cycle ride which will see him travel from Yapahuwa Rock, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant historical sites, to Udawalawe National Park on the island which lies just 30 kilometres south-east of India in November.

He will pedal for around seven to eight hours every day for five days to complete the route, and he’s hoping his test of endurance will raise around £4,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice, the charity his mum, Judy, has already raised many thousands of pounds for.

“I can’t forget why I’m doing it,” adds Jake, who now lives in Liverpool with girlfriend Holly, who’s also joining him on the ride and raising money for The Florence Nightingale Hospice in Aylesbury. “Like my mum, I’ve chosen to fundraise for Claire House, a charity at the heart of the Wirral that does so much good for the surrounding areas.

“Imagine hearing the worst possible news as a parent; that your child is seriously ill and not expected to live to be an adult. Claire House helps parents create wonderful experiences for their children and bring back a sense of normality to family life by providing specialist nursing care and emotional support.

“It helps families smile again when life couldn’t get any tougher, and the people who work there keep doing it so positively, and with smiles on their faces.  That’s what will keep me going.”

Jake has been under gentle pressure from his mum to take part in a challenge for ages. As well as the Arctic and the Grand Canyon, the 57-year-old mum-of-three has trekked across the Sahara, climbed Kilimanjaro, walked the Great Wall of China and more, to fundraise and push herself out of her comfort zone.

“She has been on at me about doing one too and I started thinking, I’m a 25-year-old (albeit with the back of a 45-year-old) so why am I waiting?

“I knew I would regret it if I didn’t do something … plus one of my other brothers Ollie did the Arctic with her so I wasn’t going to let him show me up!” Jake jokes.

Jake chose to cycle in Sri Lanka because he knew it would test him.

“None of the challenges are easy, but I haven’t ridden a bike for about five years, and the most I’ve ever ridden before is about 15km.

“I currently weigh 95kg, the muscle-to-fat ratio of which isn’t exactly at an athlete’s level, and the ride will involve inclines well in excess of 2,000m which is about the height of Mount Snowdon.

“It’s going to be tough, but that’s what it’s about. I’m curious to do it and see how far I can push myself. I think I’ve always restricted myself before and created barriers mentally; I’ve questioned ‘why do that?’ or ‘can I do that?’ and so decided not to bother.

“In future I’ll be able to tell myself I cycled 340km of Sri Lanka, of course I can do it. It can only lead to better things.”

Swapping the Christmas treats for healthy meals, running and hitting the gym are the first steps to regaining the fitness he needs to see him succeed in the challenge, and Jake is looking forward to achieving his goal and taking in some incredible sights en-route.

“I have never been to Sri Lanka but from my research I’ve learned that it’s going to be an incredible place with everything from trees and mountainous areas to wide open plains. To be honest I can’t quite imagine exactly what it will be like, other than that it will be amazing and beautiful, and such an experience.

“Whether I’ll carry on with more adventures like my mum I don’t know, but I’m looking forward to Sri Lanka and feeling like I’m helping Claire House in some way instead of sitting on the sidelines and doing nothing. 

“I can impact a great charity and the children and families who rely on it.”

To help and donate to Jake, go to the website HERE.

Find 50 free things to do across Liverpool City Region in 2025 HERE.