Following last year’s epic cycle ride from London to Luxemburg, we needed an equally challenging route. We have chosen to ride from Belfast to Cork in Ireland riding down the east coast. The route totals approx. 350 miles including some fantastic looking climbs totalling over 12,000ft. This year a team of 10 riders from Overbury will embark on this epic ride, raising money for 3 amazing charities, all chosen this year as they are very close to our hearts.

The charities we have chosen to support are:

- Step with Kyra

- mndassociation.org

- neurokinex.org

Day 1 = 103 miles

Day 2 = 100 miles

Day 3 = 110 miles

Words relating to each charity:

• https://www.mndassociation.org/

MND is a disease that affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. There is a 1 in 300 risk of getting MND across a lifetime. It can affect adults of any age but is more likely to affect people over 50.

MND is life-shortening and there is no cure. Although the disease will progress, symptoms can be managed to help achieve the best possible quality of life.

As motor neurone disease is not common, general health and social care professionals may not see many cases. This means it is important to seek out specialists who have appropriate experience in its treatment and care.

It is closer to home that is the reason we are choosing this charity to ride for. One of our riders has a family member currently suffering from MND and we want to make sure that the charity benefits so this individual plus many others suffering from MND and their families may be supported. Also, another one of our riders, David Duffy, has had a close friend lose his life to this debilitating disease at the age of 51. Anthony Walsh was a school friend and a football teammate playing together for several years out of a local pub in Finsbury Park. He contracted the disease in May 21 and with great sadness passed away in October of the same year leaving behind a wife and 2 young children. Anthony worked as surveyor within the industry and was at MJL at one point.

We are also aware of other people in the fit out sector who are affected by MND and we hope the money we raise will make a difference to the many people and all the families currently suffering from this disease.

Step with Kyra:

Kyra is an energetic and bright 13yr old girl from Brighton who loves to dance, read and play netball. She was born with a rare birth defect called PFFD, which meant her left leg grew much slower than the right. The NHS recommended amputation. However, her family fundraised over 5 years and she has had a series of life-changing surgeries with the world expert, Dr Paley, at his pioneering hospital in America. Paley has lengthened Kyra's leg by over 10cm as well as corrected her hip, knee and ankle! She is now only 3cm away from having her foot reach the ground. Her family need to raise £90,000 for further surgery in America so Kyra can finally walk without pain and without a prosthetic. Please help us make her dream a reality.

• https://neurokinex.org/:

Hi, my name is Tony Ashenden I have worked for Overbury for 13 years and am now a Project manager in the Major projects.

In July 2021 Dad had developed a back ache, after 3 visits to A&E and being sent away each time with no real investigation, simply told he had pulled a muscle, he then suddenly collapsed at home. Dad was taken to Kings College by ambulance full of morphine and delirious, 18hours later he had undergone 6 hours of major spinal surgery. He had an abscess in his spinal column which was removed saving his life, but nothing could be done to repair the neuro damage to his spine. We were told it was unlikely he would ever walk again or regain any feeling. After 4 months in hospital dad was discharged with no long-term support from NHS Physio, after conducting his own search he found Neurokinexs.

Neurokinexs specialises in activity based rehabilitation to stimulate and help to re-establish some form of links between the paralysed parts of the body. By doing this they improve their clients condition and allow them to be stronger, fitter and more independent.

After 27 months of highs and lows, BUT always a positive hardworking outlook, Dad now walks short distances with the aid of sticks and can walk up a few stairs. He still needs a wheelchair, but has managed to regain a large amount of feeling and most importantly independence. This is largely due to the skills and motivation of the dynamic staff at Neurokineks.

Mum and Dad are very lucky that they can afford to fund Dads rehab at Neurokineks, but so many people are not that lucky. By supporting Neurokinexs on this bike ride, we are raising funds which will enable them to continue the great work they do with those who have had spinal and neuro logical issues.

Thankyou so much for reading our stories and any amount donated will be hugely appreciated by all