I'm on my way... follow the blog of my journey at:  http://stuartgordon-bikeride.blogspot.com/

From Trains To Tumors

Just over two years ago, on a train journey I met an Australian couple in their 60s., Janice and Warwick. Because it was a long train journey with several stops where their plans coincided with ours, we got to know them very well. You do on trains. They were adventurous and energetic (Warwick went swimming in Sydney harbour every day) and had an attitude of 'go for it because you do not know what is round the corner'

They were coming to Europe in 2009 and we resolved to meet up for more laughter.

It never happened. We heard last autumn that Warwick had been diagnosed with an agressive Brain Tumor and was to have surgery immediately. He has since had a second operation. Although his care is good and he retains his sense of humour he is now paralysed down his left side and is no longer able to swim...

Their approach to life had already prompted me to move from idly thinking about  a journey from Lands End to John O'Groats...on my bike...to actually doing it. Hearing about Warwick was the final spur and I am going on 8th May. I am taking a modest 16 days to do the 1000 miles.

Given the history, I am using the ride as a vehicle to raise some money for BRAINSTRUST a charity which undertakes research into and support for sufferers of Brain tumors. If you can help me raise a significant amount I would be very greatful.

The train journey? We got on in Beijing and went via Ulan - Bataar, Irkutsk, Ekateringerg, and Moscow, then on to St. Petersberg where we parted.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.