The Challenge

 Our challenge is to cycle from the seafront in Barcelona, Spain to Bournemouth Pier, GB. The route will take us 1150 miles, through the Pyrenees up to 2000m above sea level, where we will complete Stage 8 of Tour de France 2013 (Backwards). After the Pyrenees we will cycle across France to Calais and finally through Southern England over the South Downs to Bournemouth – our home town in just 12 days. We start on 10th September 13 and finish on 21st September 13.

 

 

Our Inspiration

 

 Pete’s Story

Back in 2011 Peter Loveless, Paul's father in law, was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer following a simple check up by a doctor. Pete was operated on, the Tumour was successfully removed and he started a course of chemotherapy. Unfortunately the cancer reappeared in his liver and was inoperable.  Several courses of chemotherapy and some highly specialized radiotherapy had no effect and sadly he passed away on 25th August 2012. Pete was extremely strong, never gave up and he fought until the end. 

 

Jenni’s story

In September 2010 without any warning Jenni, our little sister, was taken ill whilst out in town with a friend. She was rushed to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a Brain Tumour.  Luckily with quick diagnosis and only a short wait until an operation - Jenni survived. Only a week later she was strong enough to be a Bridesmaid at our Uncle Martyn and Aunty Kelly’s wedding. It is testament to her strength and courage she was able to do this. However; in May 2012 she underwent a further operation to remove more suspicious material from the site of the original Tumour. Fortunately she made it through and has made a full recovery.  

 

Grandma Bailey (Daphne)

Grandma was diagnosed with Peritoneal Cancer in Febuary 2012 after being admitted to hopsital with abdominal pain. After a course of chemotherapy she went into remission for around six months. But in January this year the cancer returned and this time did not respond to treatment, after a short stay in hospital she moved to the Forest Holme Hospice in Poole where she passed away peacefully on the 14th Febuary 2013 surrounded by her family. 

 

 

Events of the past couple of years, watching loved ones go through such things has deeply affected us. Seeing Pete, Jenni and Grandma go through such pain has inspired us to go through a little of our own, to try and raise money for the excellent charities below.

 

The Charities

Brain Tumour Research

GI cancer Care at RBH

RAF Benevolent Fund

*All funds raised will be split by the Royal Bournemouth Hospital Charity to the other with 40% going to Brain Tumour Research and GI Cancer Care at RBH each and the other 20% going to the RAF BF.

 

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Thank you for taking the time to read this, your support means people who are less fortunate than us get a better quality of care and support.