Jo's incredible cross-country horse ride is raising awareness of osteoporosis

When Jo Treweek set off from John O'Groats at the beginning of May 2026, she wasn't just beginning an epic three-month horseback journey to Land's End – she was helping to change the way people think about osteoporosis.

Alongside her friend Alison Zuend, Jo is riding the length of Britain to raise vital funds for the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) and to show that a diagnosis of osteoporosis doesn't have to mean giving up the things you love.

The pair had dreamed of taking on the challenge for years.

"We both wanted to do it for a long time and have prepared for it for for at least 2 years."

For Jo, the challenge became even more meaningful after she was diagnosed with osteoporosis following a broken ankle. She was fit, active and a regular horse rider, and was shocked when she learned she had the condition.

"I love horses, regularly riding and unfortunately, I had a nasty accident a couple of years ago when I jumped off my horse and broke my ankle. It was then that I found out I had osteoporosis."

Recovering from the injury wasn't easy, but Jo was determined not to let osteoporosis stop her from doing what she loves.

"It was hard recovering from that accident, but I suddenly got to the point where I realised I didn't want to stop riding despite the fear of fractures. And I also wanted to raise awareness for people who ride, that osteoporosis doesn’t have to stop you if you prepare carefully and do it safely."

Jo is passionate about helping others avoid the shock she experienced when she was diagnosed.

"I'm keen to raise awareness of the things you can do because I wasn't aware of them and I was completely caught by surprise by the diagnosis.

“There was such a lack of information until I found the ROS. The charity was a big help to me, because it made me feel like maybe there were some options rather than just taking the medications and hoping for the best. It helped me make better decisions."

She hopes sharing her story will encourage more people to think about their bone health and challenge the myths that still surround osteoporosis.

"I'm hoping I can tell my story and use it to raise awareness because people just assume osteoporosis happens to old people and that you can't really do anything about it, but that's not true."

Although Jo has continued riding, she knows the reality of living with fragile bones.

"Earlier on this journey I was walking my horse across the moor, and my good leg went down a hole, and I thought I'd broken that too. It was traumatic but as it happens, I had just sprained it. The fact that you can so easily break a bone means there's a lot of jeopardy involved."

Since leaving John O'Groats, Jo and Alison have experienced everything from blazing sunshine to torrential rain as they make their way south. If all goes to plan, they'll reach Land's End by the end of July.

Every mile they ride is helping to raise vital funds, so the Royal Osteoporosis Society can be there for everyone affected by osteoporosis. From funding life-changing research to providing trusted information and support, every donation helps us work towards a future without osteoporosis.

We're incredibly grateful to Jo and Alison for taking on this remarkable challenge and for using their journey to inspire others, raise awareness, and help more people protect their bones.

You can support Jo and Alison on their just giving page.