*Updated 19 April 2022

 Jan 2022 - I turned the big Four-O!!!

I knew for a while that I wanted to set myself a big challenge to celebrate my birthday and that when I did, I wanted to use the opportunity to 'do my bit’ for a charity.

Charities must have suffered with the recent global pandemic and unfortunately Illness does not go on hold while the world comes to a standstill during various lockdowns. So hopefully this will be something positive following such difficult times and a much needed boost to help support them. 

It’s no secret I love to cycle; and when it comes to cycling there’s one huge challenge I’ve always aspired to undertake... so I’m going to be cycling 1000 miles, from Land's End - To John O'Groats! 🚲

Last year a crazy man and life long best friend, named Richard Patterson, pushed his brother into doing his first ever Triathlon. This year I repaid the favour and roped Rich into joining me on this mammoth undertaking. I met Rich many years ago at Uni, in Kent. Who knew these two daft drunk dizzy Uni lads would be doing such a challenge 18years later?!

This is an epic ride which tours the length of the UK over a 10 day period and cycling on average 100 miles a day, everyday until we cross the finish line.

I've chosen to ride on behalf of 🌈 The Rainbow Trust.

There are an estimated 86,625* children in England with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. This number has trebled over the last 17 years and is rising. Thousands of families have to face the very real possibility that their child may die and struggle to cope on a day to day basis. The Rainbow Trust provides a lifeline to these families and children.

When a child has a serious illness, family life is turned upside down and time becomes more precious than ever. Rainbow Trust pairs each family with an expert Family Support Worker who enables them to make the most of their time together, giving them practical and emotional support, whenever they need it, for as long as is needed.

WHY? I’ve chosen this charity because during the past 12 years I've worked for Arun Estates I've gotten to know a great man called Godfrey Haire. Godfrey has a personal connection with this amazing charity. In July last year after waiting 11yrs, Godfrey gave his son a kidney, which was very much needed. This did not go without issue either as Godfrey contracted an infection after the transplant which led to more time off work. For Henry, his old kidney started causing problems so it had to be taken out September 2021. Henry is now doing amazingly well and his consultants in London are really pleased with his results. Despite being on a lot of medication post transplant, he is now stable condition and not in a life threatening position. Godfrey cannot thank the Rainbow Trust children’s charity enough for all the support that they have given him over this time. For those of you who know Godfrey, will understand he always does everything in his power to help those around him. His kindness is infectious, so this is my small way of paying back that kindness.

I’m asking for any donation no matter how small, as every penny really counts in these difficult times. To anyone who would usually get me a gift for my birthday or a pint in the pub to celebrate my 40th, I ask that instead you share your kindness with The Rainbow Trust this year.

I will also be organising fundraising events on the lead up to the big ride and doing everything I can to reach my target.

Thank you so much, Chris 😊