'The only way to triumph over life is to love it. Such was the Tour de France for Jacques Anquetil. He has learned to love the Tour, to love the unyielding executioner that is his bicycle. To love the struggle and the suffering of the Tour. Perhaps because once loved, it allows him to truly enjoy the profound joys of a hard-won honest victory.' - Georges Bernanos 1963

Thank you for visiting my fundraising webpage. Many years ago I worked on the redevelopment at the Royal Marsden Hospital and vividly remember seeing how cruel and indiscriminate cancer can be. And some of you will know that I was fortunate enough to complete the epic 1000km Fireflies ride in 2007 for some close friends and their families as a reminder that they are not alone. Raising money and more importantly awareness for clinical research and support through Leuka at Hammersmith Hospital. This cycle ride is possibly the hardest challenge I have ever had to do. Imagine running a marathon every day, for eight days. That is what it feels like.. every evening, total physical and mental exhaustion.. So I have decided to do it one more time this summer..

The Fireflies have been raising monies and awareness for Leuka since 2001 and this will be the tenth year of the ride. To date the Fireflies have raised almost £800,000. Maybe this year, we can reach a million pounds. 

The past two years, I have watched my fellow riders train hard for months, getting leaner, fitter, then departing London for that awe inspiring annual pilgrimmage to Cannes, across some of the toughest climbs in Europe. This left me with very mixed emotions of relief, but some envy and guilt for not contributing as fully. I am probably not the only previous rider to feel like that, seeing them off at Golden Square. But the Fireflies are part of who we are as cyclists, like one big family, pulling together for the needs of others. Each rider with his or her own stories of bravery and commitment to the cause, with a 'band of brothers' or 'siege mentality' approach to overcome anything put in our way.

And I would be lying, if I said that it would be easier second time around. Knowing what to expect, the highs, lows, the aches and pains now just a distant memory. How very easy to forget all that in such a short time. So I said 'right !', time to make it happen again and be part of that 'very special collective moment' and sharing those experiences.

The training will be tough and long as always, if I am to make it to Cannes. But with your help we can resume that battle against cancer which continues to devastate lives, families and friends. Maybe, just maybe we can win the war and more advanced cancer treatment will have a higher survival rate among patients. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. Every penny donated goes directly to LEUKA because all the riders and support team are self-financed.

It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Leuka will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Our motto is FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER, WE RIDE.

Wishing you all  a safe and happy 2010, maybe I will see some of you on the road one day..

 

With love always

Alan xxxx

Many Thanks for your Support! ALLEZ FireFlies ! * ! 1000km in eight days 19 mountains, 90,000ft of climbing, a bit more descending, here we go again.. http://www.thefirefliestour.com