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At the beginning of 2011, I had the crazy idea to challenge myself; I had only recently begun a new job at Sky and felt that a different kind of challenge in my personal life was required too – sad I know!

 

Only a few days before the closing date, Sky advertised le Tour d’Etape 2011 – a cycle along a stage of the Tour de France. At the time I thought it’s only cycling so…full of gusto I got to typing and applied for this extraordinary experience.

 

After a few tumultuous weeks, it was confirmed and I was in. Now I had the chance to do something out of the ordinary; to immerse myself in something that wasn’t football for a change but it turns out it may not be quite so straightforward. 200km in 40 degree heat!

 

Let me try to put this crazy challenge into context:

·     I haven’t owned a bike in about 10 years

·     This event requires a road bike – not a mountain bike – before March I had NEVER ridden, never mind owned one of these types of bikes.

·     Since last April (when I stopped playing 5-a-sides) I have not done any physical activity apart from maybe the odd trip downstairs to the fridge!

·     According to my doctor I was officially overweight

·     AND I had never walked 12.9miles never mind ride 129!

 

The Etape this year is in two stages. I am tackling the 2^nd stage - Issoire to St. Flour on July 17th. This may mean nothing to you but tune in to the Tour de France on July 10^th and you will see the professionals struggle to make it up the ascents of the Col du Perthus (1309m), the Col du Prat de Bouc (1392m) and Col du Pras de Peyrol (1589m)!

 

The initial objective of this crazy idea was completely self-motivated but I have since decided that someone could benefit from my pain, so I have decided to break my duck for a local charity (SOBS) that doesn’t get much publicity. SOBS stands for Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, a charity which aims to provide support to those affected by suicide. 

 

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.

 

Sky promise to match money raised through this campaign which is an incentive for me to raise as much money as possible! Please give generously.