A student has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity after going on a cycle tour to find the best full English breakfast in memory of his parents.

Jeremy Daubeny’s’ Tour de Full English’ bike ride raised more than £35,000 for two charities close to his heart.

Pride of Britain nominee Jeremy Daubeny discusses his UK-wide best breakfast cycle fundraiser

The 19-year-old from Tunbridge Wells – who has since been nominated for an ITV Pride of Britain award – spent just over eight weeks travelling the length and breadth of the UK in search of the perfect cooked breakfast.

He racked up 57 days on the saddle and blogged each part of his 2,550 miles trip, as well as his fried finds along the way.

The challenge was inspired by the tragic loss of both his parents, who died just months apart.

In September 2018, Jeremy’s dad, Giles, who had worked as an actor and an artist, lost his life to a glioblastoma brain tumour, aged 59.

Then, in May 2019, his mum, Clare, died at the age of 56 of motor neurone disease (MND), having been diagnosed just two years earlier.

Jeremy, who completed his education at Bethany School in Goudhurst and will head to Exeter University to study politics and economics, previously told KentOnline how he felt he lived a "double life" as he struggled at home following his parent's loss.

But he says taking up cycling and the food challenge helped him to grieve as he cycled from Kent, along the south coast and then on to Bristol.

He said: “Cycling was something that really helped me in lockdown, and I’ve always been a bit of a food enthusiast.

"Therefore I came up with the idea of setting off on my bike with a tent and a few essential supplies, in search of the best breakfast this nation has to offer.”

Jeremy left home on May 17 and ventured down an epic route that eventually saw him cycle around Wales and Scotland before returning home on July 12.

In total, he managed to raise more than £37,000 for The MND Association and The Brain Tumour Charity.

The student said: “I think physically it took me a while to adjust to the road, the first week was always going to be tough, and then once I got into my comfort zone it was better, and of course hills are never fun, but that’s cycling for you!

“Emotionally – talking about my story so relentlessly – you can talk about it and be alright with someone, but then half an hour later when it’s just you and your bike, stuff can start to well up, and it’s just little things on this ride, like bluebells for example.

“We always used to, as a family, go out on bluebell walks, and when they were all out in force earlier in the summer, every time I saw one it took me back there."

There were one or two "lonely days" on the road, he adds, but nothing a quick phone call home to sister Jess couldn't help him with.

And whether it be cycling or sampling the nation's favourite servings of sausage, bacon and beans, Jeremy's thoughts never strayed far from his parents.

“My mum is simply the most selfless and loving individual I’ve had the pleasure of knowing," he said.

"She was someone who just invested and invested in others. One of her great loves was cooking and I don’t think there were many things in life she enjoyed more than watching her food be enjoyed by family and friends."

Jeremy also reflected on memories of his dad who he was close with and together shared a love of Brighton football club, attending matches together.

"Every time I sat down for a breakfast on this challenge, Dad was firmly at the forefront of my mind," he said.

“My dad was one of those rare people who had the ability to sit outside a café and chat away to strangers for hours on end.

"He was never in a rush and just loved being surrounded by different characters.

“Something I craved every day was to have one more bite to eat with my dad and watch the world go by while we chat about anything and everything."

Jeremy's efforts have seen him nominated for an ITV Pride of Britain award and the final is taking place tonight.

Of the nomination he said: “It all feels relatively surreal so far. ITV made contact about the award three years to the week since we lost my dad, so it all felt very timely.

“Of course I want to be celebrating with my parents but I’m just delighted that this means more awareness for both charities.

“Getting surprised would ordinarily be my worst nightmare but it was lovely to be surrounded by friends new and old.”

Sam Keeble, community fundraiser for the Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Jeremy is a shining example of somebody who has used the adversity he faced to do something positive, to benefit others.

“We are in awe of his resilience throughout his gruelling challenge, and his courage for openly sharing his grief after the devastating loss of his mum and dad.

“Without a doubt, the awareness and funds that Jeremy has raised for The Brain Tumour Charity will have a huge impact for our community, both now and in the future."

An estimated 86,000 children and adults are living with a brain tumour in the UK today.

The Brain Tumour Charity’s young ambassadors help to raise awareness of the disease, which is also the number one cancer killer among children and adults under 40 years old.

The charity also provides support for everyone affected so that they can live as full a life as possible. Find out more here.

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