What began as a boozy promise turned into a cross-country tribute to David Cottrell, a Royal Navy veteran whose D-Day story inspired a 282-mile cycling fundraiser
The cycle to D-Day and arriving in Normandy (Credit : MARK T GODDARD)
On a cold beer and a promise made over New Year’s drinks, a 282-mile mission was born—one that would end not only in Normandy, but in deep reverence for a story too often untold.
Josh Doherty, 39, from Bedminster, is not a professional cyclist. In fact, before this journey, he hadn’t really trained at all. “Personally—nothing,” he admits when asked about preparation. But that didn’t stop him and a small team of friends and colleagues from setting out on an ambitious ride from Bristol to Sword Beach on June 6. This wasn’t just about endurance. It was about legacy—more precisely, the legacy of David Cottrell, a Royal Navy veteran of D-Day whose story changed all of them.
David Cotterill
A New Year’s Pact and an Unexpected Mission
“It all started with getting incredibly drunk over New Year’s,” Josh confesses. “Truthfully, I’d totally forgotten we spoke about it.” But his friend and team captain Alex Parsons didn’t forget. That casual conversation soon transformed into a serious commitment. Together, they assembled what Josh affectionately calls their “motley crew”: Alex, Ben Howcroft, Darren Brice-Taylor, Mary Woodall (driving the support vehicle), Dr Matthew Smith, Mark Goddard (photographer), and Joe Prosser (bike mechanic).
While they may come from varied professional backgrounds—Josh runs YourwayBristol, a support agency for vulnerable people, while others work for the MOD or in creative and medical fields—they were united by a singular cause: to honour David Cottrell and raise funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
The Man Who Made a Memorial
David Cotterill
David’s story is both harrowing and inspiring. A sailor on HMS Swift during the Second World War, David was aboard when the ship was sunk off Sword Beach just days after the initial D-Day landings. Remarkably, upon revisiting Normandy years later, he noticed a startling absence.
“There were over 5,000 memorials,” Josh says, “but not one for the Navy.”
That didn’t sit right with David. Incredibly, he took matters into his own hands—literally. He built a memorial in his garden, then, with help from contacts in Normandy, arranged for it to be placed on Sword Beach—the very sand where his ship went down in 1944.
David’s story stuck with Alex and Ben ever since they met him over pints at The Hill, a local Bristol pub. “He’d come in every day for four pints and bring his son Richard,” Josh says. “He told them about D-Day, his experiences, and even took them to Normandy 15 years ago to show them where it all happened.”
This ride wasn’t just a fundraiser. It was a pilgrimage.
The cycle to D-Day and arriving in Normandy (Credit : MARK T GODDARD)
The Road to Remembrance
The team’s journey spanned over 282 miles, crossing country lines, time zones, and physical limits. “The ride was Darren’s first time on a bike in years,” Josh notes. “It was great—he’s now joined a cycling club.” Each rider came with different levels of experience: Dr Matt, a keen cyclist; Joe, a veteran of over 30 years in the saddle; and Josh, learning as he went.
Despite varying levels of readiness, they made it.
“The most memorable moment?” Josh says, “A cold beer at the end.”
But the real highlight came not in refreshment, but reflection—specifically in Normandy, where the commemorations brought the team face to face with history. “Having dinner with David’s son Rich, hearing his father’s stories… one of them was about a party on the Norwegian king’s yacht. Honestly, stuff you’d think came out of James Bond.”
It wasn’t all nostalgia either. “We’ve already planned next year,” Josh reveals. “This time, we’ll start from the French end, go a longer distance, and double the elevation.”
The cycle to D-Day and arriving in Normandy (Credit : MARK T GODDARD)
From £1,000 to Over £4,000
The fundraiser exceeded expectations. Originally hoping to raise £1,000, the team has already pulled in over £4,000. The generosity has been humbling. “We’ve received support from old friends, new friends, and most of all, family,” Josh says.
Some contributions stood out: Mark’s father, Paul Goddard, gave £200. Rob Smart chipped in £155 to push the total over the £3,000 mark. Darren’s wife Claire not only donated £100 but also completed a course to qualify as a nurse prescriber—her way of honouring the effort.
“We’ve got a GoFundMe page,” Josh adds, “and anything to add on top of our goal would be great.”
Lessons from a Legacy
David Cottrell’s legacy wasn’t just about survival—it was about remembrance. And for Josh, Alex, and the others, this journey underscored how ordinary people can live extraordinary lives.
“What do I hope people take away?” Josh reflects. “That anyone can do this. David’s story is one of a kind. If you’ve got the time, speak to Rich—he tells it best.”
It’s not the end either. Far from it. This ride will be annual, Josh insists, and they want to keep it accessible for all. “With a few months’ training, anyone can do it. That’s important to us—to pass on David’s story and those of other veterans.”
The cycle to D-Day and arriving in Normandy (Credit : MARK T GODDARD)
As for how it’s changed him?
Josh doesn’t offer a grand, sweeping statement. Instead, his reply is simple, grounded, and fitting.
“We’re just a bunch of ordinary people doing our best to remember someone who shouldn’t be forgotten.”
https://www.gofundme.com/f/cycle-to-normandy-dday-6th-june-2025