Felixstowe: Intrepid traveller Jilly Sherlock cycles home after two years in time to say goodbye to her dad

Jilly Sherlock gives dad John Sherlock a big hug when they are reunited after two years. John sadly passed away just hours later. Picture: Peter Moss, Spotlight Magazine (Image: Archant)

Arriving home after two years cycling 30,000km around the world, the intrepid traveller was welcomed back into Felixstowe on Saturday by her treasured dad’s beaming smile.

Hours later John ‘Milky’ Sherlock passed away peacefully.

Coming to terms with her loss, Jilly told The Star she made the decision to return home ahead of schedule after learning that her father was ill.

“I was fortunate enough to see him seated in a chair outside the Orwell Hotel in Felixstowe with a big smile on his face as I cycled back into town,” she said.

“Sadly my father passed away in the early hours of Sunday, very sudden and unexpected, but I was so grateful that he fought to stay alive to see me return.

“He passed away peacefully and he is deeply missed by me, my sister Jennie and all his family and friends.”

Jilly set off to explore the world in April 2011, initially only heading for China, after she was made redundant from her job.

But eager to search out new and exciting cultures, the solo cyclist pedalled on... and on, taking in Thailand and Malaysia before reaching Singapore.

Taking shelter from the elements in sheds, alongside remote lakes and even on a petrol station forecourt, Jilly kept her trusty camera in hand to document each moment of her incredible journey.

Sharing her tales with thousands of followers of her blog, she wrote: “You see miles of absolute nothingness, unable to comprehend that the next village is sometimes eight days away.

“Mountain ranges loom up in front of you, and for 90km you have this view.

“You feel every drop of rain, every breath of wind, every sting of hail, your fingers ache with cold, your clothing crisp with dried sweat, you are covered in dust and grime and go for days without washing.”

To see more of Jilly’s extraordinary trip, visit sherlocktales.blogspot.com