Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In September 2015 I agreed to join a team of people cycling from London to Paris in May 2016.  I have to say, I didn't give it a lot of thought...I love France, I love cycling and I needed a challenge, so what better way to tie all that together than by raising awareness and funds for Myeloma UK at the same time with 8 other nutters.  'It's only 500km!' I thought, 'Over 5 days...pahhh!  I'll be able to do that fine.'

'Are you mad?' some said.  'What about your nether regions!?' said others. 'That's a long way to go on an iron horse.' said one in particular.  I had to give it to them, they had raised good points. 

Even still, I felt compelled to go for it.  I keep trying to imagine what five days of saddle-bound pain will feel like. I'm clenching just thinking about it!  But then I thought about people who suffer from myeloma, well - all kinds of cancer really.  I imagine if offered the chance to swap what they have to go through during an average five days of relapse or treatment, for five days of chafed inner thighs, numb bums, sore legs and aching backs, they'd probably snap your hand off.  So it's with that in mind I will endeavour to push on, mile after mile, day after day, for five days. 

But I'm going to need your help, not only to help me raise some funds for Myeloma UK, but also to help keep me going mentally, emotionally and physically.  Luckily I have a photographic memory so I will remember all your names and messages and support and words of encouragement (and no doubt a few jokes at my bottom's expense) along the journey to keep me moving forward, even when all I am dreaming about is diving headfirst to the nearest bottle of Pinot Noir and gorging myself on baguette and fois to the point of developing gout.

So, there you have it.  My word that I will, by hook, crook and possibly covered in muck (there's bound to be a 'falling in the ditch' moment at some point, this is me we're talking about) make it to the Eiffal Tower.

I haven't done anything crazy like this for a long time, I know that you are all very generous people, many of whom have donated to numerous causes over the years, so I'd be so grateful if you could find some spare change in your pocket, down the back of the sofa, in that giant bottle of pennies that just sits gathering dust - and donate here.

I'll keep you updated on my training - which is bound to provide a few laughs, only today I was almost knocked off my bike by a low flying pheasant!

So all that's left to say for now, is thank you, thank you and thank you, from the bottom of my padded gusset.

Dickens x

PS - UK people, don't forget to click yes for Gift Aid, this means the charity will be able to reclaim tax on the donation which means increased funds at no further cost to you! 

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