On the 5th May 2012, in memory of Dave Evans pictured below, I am cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats with my friend Andy Lee and we hope to raise as much as we can for Macmillan Cancer Support.

On the 25th of April 2011, aged just 56, my rugby mate Dave Evans, lost his brave battle against Lymphoma, leaving behind his lovely wife Karen and his three children, Ian, Clare and Luke. I first met Dave over 20 years ago when he and I played Rugby for Lutterworth RFC in what was then called "Swigger's" star studded Vets Team! Dave was originally from the "dark side" - a soccer player - and took to rugby later in life but with great enthusiasm. Throughout his subsequent playing career he became known as the most reliable of players - never letting the side down - and in 1994/95, he thoroughly deserved to win a Club Award for not missing a single game of that whole season.

As a winger, Dave scored many tries, but none so memorable as those he scored against the Leicester Infirmary Nurses in a Charity Game. Whilst his team mates were more than happy to simply be tackled during the game - with or without the ball - Dave notched up a try count in double figures! When Dave stopped playing, he watched his two sons, Ian and Luke, come through the Mini's, Juniors, Colts and into Senior Rugby, where he was proud to see them both both play in the 1st XV.

My own rugby career began when I was a teenager and I was lucky to play rugby for many decades until I retired from the game, without injury, at the age of 65. I am now 67, and feel blessed to be healthy and fit enough to be taking on a challenge of this scale. I am also lucky to be joined by a very good friend, Andy Lee, who at 20 years my junior (and who should know better) agreed, during an evening of excessive consumption of "home brewed ale" to join me in this foolhardy undertaking!

So, on the 5th of May 2012, the "World's Stupidest Man and his Mate" - wife's opinion ! - are on tour. Two weeks pedalling from Land's End To John O'Groats. We have only had our bikes since Christmas, but both of us have been training hard. Neither of us are experienced cyclists who have had many years "in the saddle" - we know it will be physically and mentally tough but we are determined that this will not only be enjoyable, but worthwhile. I had a minor set back when I fell off my bike during training at the end of Frebruary. I broke my wrist and have only just had the cast removed. It aches whilst I am cycling, a lot. But all the time, I think of Dave, and others like him who, when faced with their diagnosis and treatment, do so with dignity, courage and fortitude - and all of a sudden my arm doesn't ache that much after all.

Macmillan Cancer support have not only been there for Dave's family but for my own. My mother, my wife's father, grandfather and aunt, all lost their fight against cancer. Macmillan help with all sorts - from the simple stuff like helping with parking fees at the hospital whilst undergoing treatment, to mortgage and financial advice, to the visiting nurse who is there, not only for the patient suffering from this terrible disease, but also helping the family cope with the sheer enormity of the "thing".

We shall be updating our page throughout the two weeks journey so you will be able to see how we are getting on. We are travelling unsupported (carrying all our worldly goods) and will be staying at Youth Hostels and a couple of B&B's along the way. We aim to publish the route and will also be tagging on a litte detour to the Isle of Arran when we get up to Scotland. If any of our friends fancy joining us on any of the stages, please feel free to do so - but most of all please give generously - make our effort worthwhile.
Please dig deep and donate now. Thank you.