Two Bristol brothers are cycling 770km to honour their father and raise awareness of alcohol misuse’s devastating impact
With legs spinning and spirits high, the Shone brothers train indoors — balancing the chaos of family life with relentless preparation for their charity ride.
Their dad died because of alcohol. Now, two brothers from Bristol are cycling 770 kilometres to Fort William to raise money — and awareness — for a cause they wish had entered their lives sooner.
For Olly and Sam Shone, Cycling the NaShone is more than a charity challenge. It’s an emotional tribute, a personal reckoning, and a public stand against the quiet devastation alcohol misuse can leave in its wake.
Olly Shone, 32, lives in Brislington and leads the Energy Division at Rise Technical Recruitment. His older brother, 34-year-old Sam, lives in Warmley and teaches at Staple Hill Primary School. Though their careers differ, their bond is unmistakable. “We’ve always been close,” Olly says. “Naturally competitive, sure, but more like mates than brothers really.”
Growing up, the pair were inseparable — whether it was ice hockey matches cheered on by their dad or five-a-side football in later years. “Our dad was at every game he could make, and always following the scores when he couldn’t,” Sam says. “He had a big heart and a laid-back nature that was both calming and chaotic, in the best way.”
Phil Shone’s character was larger than life — always the one to lighten a room. But like many families touched by addiction, behind the humour and warmth was a long battle with alcohol. “It had a massive impact on our family,” says Olly. “And the loss of our dad — largely due to alcohol — is something we still struggle to come to terms with.”
Dressed to the nines — Olly and Sam flank their dad Phil, whose presence and personality continue to inspire their every move.
Their reflections are honest, not sugar-coated. “He won’t see our children grow up. That’s tough to take,” Sam adds. “We’re not teetotal, but we definitely view alcohol differently now.”
The decision to take on this epic ride wasn’t born out of spreadsheets and strategy sessions. “It was impulsive,” Olly admits. “We knew we wanted to do something in Dad’s memory — and we knew he loved cycling when he was younger — but we definitely underestimated the planning involved.”
So much so that when they committed to the journey, Olly didn’t even own a bike. “I hadn’t had one since I was ten.”
The route they chose — from Bristol to Fort William — holds a particular emotional resonance. “Fort William was our first stop on a holiday with Dad,” Olly explains. “We hadn’t planned anything really. Just pointed at a map and went. Maybe that’s where our spontaneous streak comes from.”
Sam added: “We were both insured on my car but I drove the full eight or nine hours from Buckinghamshire to Fort William. I just didn’t trust Olly behind the wheel.”
Olly and Sam Shone take a break during a sunny training ride, preparing for the challenge of a lifetime — 770km in memory of their dad.
Now, they’ll retrace some of that distance, but this time on two wheels, averaging 110km a day with nearly 1,000 metres of daily incline.
With full-time jobs, families, and other sports commitments — Olly still plays ice hockey for the Bristol Pitbulls — fitting in training hasn’t been easy. “We’re doing what we can around the madness of life,” says Sam. “We’ve both had to deal with illnesses — ours and our kids’ — which has made consistency hard.”
Still, they’ve pushed through, with indoor bike trainers and apps like Rouvy and Zwift helping them rack up mileage from home. In typical Shone fashion, even marathon running became part of the prep. “Sam stepped in to run a marathon with six days’ notice. Finished in 4 hours 40. Maybe the less we train, the better,” Olly jokes.
Olly, new to the world of cycling, has had to get up to speed fast. “I thought you just bought a bike and pedalled. I had no idea about tyre pressure, cadence, any of it.”
Sam, on the other hand, found himself on a crash course in nutrition. “I’ve learned more about energy gels than I ever thought I’d need to.”
Fuelled by purpose and surrounded by love — Olly and Sam ride on turbo trainers as one of their children watches on, a reminder of the legacy they’re protecting.
At its core, Cycling the NaShone is a love letter — to their father, to the lessons of loss, and to each other. “Doing this together means a lot,” says Olly. “To raise awareness in a positive light — I know Dad would be laughing at us.”
The emotional gravity of the ride is never far from their minds. “When we hit that long road into Fort William, I think that moment will be huge,” Sam reflects.
Asked how their dad might have reacted to the challenge, they both smile. “He’d call us muppets,” Olly says. “Ask why we’re bothering. But he’d love it. He’d be the first one there, cheering and laughing.”
The response so far has been overwhelmingly supportive. “Messages, donations, encouragement — it’s been unreal,” Sam says. “If it helps even one person find help through Alcohol Change, then it’s worth every kilometre.”
Support for the ride has come from all corners. “Rob Carr, a family friend, is driving the support car for the whole journey — absolute legend,” says Olly. Their mum Liz, along with Rob’s wife Caroline and their families, will join part of the way, adding an extra boost of morale.
Phil Shone beams with joy as he cuddles his grandchild — a moment that reflects the warmth and love that defined him as a father and grandfather.
Their Instagram page, @cycling_the_nashone, is where they’re sharing their journey — from training bloopers to motivational updates. They’re also fundraising through their JustGiving page, with every penny supporting Alcohol Change UK.
And what about after the ride?
“We’ve booked some family time up in Scotland,” Sam says. “No bikes in sight.”
As for future events: “Right now, absolutely not,” says Olly. “But who knows?”
Sam’s a bit more open. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I’d love to keep raising awareness. Even if we don’t hit the same numbers again, making noise still matters.”
A snapshot from childhood — Phil stands proudly behind a young Olly and Sam, already laying the foundations of the bond that drives their journey today.
For the Shone brothers, this is more than a test of endurance. It’s a tribute stitched together with every pedal stroke. It’s about saying the hard things, sharing the heavy stories, and showing others that change — even after loss — is possible.
And it’s about honouring a dad who’d probably think they were a bit daft for doing it all… but would’ve been their loudest cheerleader.
You can follow their journey on Instagram @cycling_the_nashone or donate to their cause through JustGiving.