UPDATE - 15 April 2009

I am now confirmed on the Paris-Geneva ride but between 07-12 June 2009 as opposed to 06-10 July 2009. Same route, challenge etc as detailed below - just a month earlier...

UPDATE - 14 April 2009

It seems as though the thought of cycling from Edinburgh to London in May was not particularly tempting to people, and therefore, with only 4 of us confirmed for the ride, Headway have had to cancel the Wheely Big Relay for 2009.

However, instead of the above ride for their Brain Injury Awareness Week, I am going to cycle, again for Headway, from Paris to Geneva in July 2009. The entire trip will take place between 05-10 July 2009, but the cycling itself will take place on 06,07,08 and 09 July 2009. The distance between the two great Cities is approximately 350 miles, so I will be cycling an average of around 87.5 miles per day. Whilst it is true that the route will almost certainly be more pleasant than a route through the North East of England, the weather will be much hotter (not a good thing!) and...apparently there is a fairly large mountain range to cycle over too. Whilst the total distance I will be covering will therefore be slightly less than originally anticipated, I think the challenge itself will be far greater. The route involves cycling from Paris to Sens, then on to Semur en Auxois, then to Lons-le-Saunier and finally on towards Geneva, including a climb up the famous Col de la Faucille.

For those of you who have originally sponsored me, I am told by Headway that if you wish to cancel your sponsorhsip you may do - simply let me know. For those of you who still wish to sponsor me as before - there is no need to do anything. For those of you yet to sponsor me...any help would be appreciated.

ORIGINAL ENTRY:

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

It's been 2 years since I was bitten by rabid dogs and threatened with Samurai Swords by a mad Kentuckian so it is time for me to embark on another long distance cycle ride for charity.

This time, rather than seeing my lovely bike (Genie) being destroyed by customs officers, and risking a journey abroad, I am taking part in a ride from Edinburgh to London. Hopefully I will also manage to avoid cycling into any rivers and bashing my head this time too...

As some of you know, I have previously been quite involved with Headway North London, being a Committee member and also the Editor of their newsletter, "Hemispheres." This year, Headway, as part of their Brain Injury Awareness Week, ar doing an event called "The Wheely Big Relay" - a sponsored bike ride from Edinburgh to London.

Whilst it is anticipated that most people will just wish to do one leg of the relay, there are a few people who are planning on doing the whole lot. Sadly, due to pre-existing commitments I am unable to take part in the whole 8 days but, rather than just doing one leg of the relay, I am taking part in the final 6 legs; involving riding from Morpeth to London.

Morpeth - for those of you who don't know where it is (I admit to falling into this category until recently) is some distance north of Durham, hitherto the most northen place on Earth I have ever been!

My journey will involve a 50 mile ride to Bishop Auckland followed by a 72 mile ride to York, a 62 mile ride to Worksop, a 68 mile ride to Oakham, a 72 mile ride to Cambridge, before the final leg of 61 miles back to Westminster - a total of 385 miles in 6 days.

It would mean a lot to me if you were kind enough to sponsor me for this ride. Headway are a charity who do some fantastic work for people with brain injuries, work that I have witnessed first hand through my profession.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Headway get your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

If you would like any more information about Headway's work then please see their website at www.headway.org.uk

Many thanks,

Mark.