Hello.

In an impromptu couple of days, and inspired by ten days in France, I have decided to do two bike rides on two consecutive Sundays in September covering nearly 200 miles.

In a less impromptu gesture, I am riding in aid of the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity. As you may know, my Dad has been suffering from Leukaemia for the past year and it’s something that has had a big impact on my family.

 

But we’re far from alone. 30,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancers in the UK every year. Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research is the only UK charity dedicated to finding causes and improving diagnosis and treatments for Leukaemia and other blood cancers. To continue their life saving research they need to raise £100 million over the next five years. Thankfully they're not relying on me to raise it all. 

 

Bike ride one on is ‘Cycle the Wight 2011’ on September 18. This will take me 70 miles round the coast line of the Isle of Wight, a place my dad now calls home. I am hoping for nothing more than a light breeze and some flat roads. At 70 miles it is the warm-up.

 

Bike ride two is ‘Ride around London’ on September 25. According to the website it’s a “challenging 115 mile” route that starts at the Herne Hill Velodrome, then goes up Box Hill, along the North Downs, through Windsor Park, passing Eton Dorney and the Chilterns and finishes next to the new 2012 Lee Valley White Water Centre. I hope they’ve built a bar at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, because I will need a drink after that.

 

My target is £370 - £2 for every mile. I know people are tapped up for sponsorship on a daily basis these days, but this is a great cause and one very close to my heart. Every penny counts.  

 

Thank you.

 

Andrew