Ian Marriott
Ian & Phil's 2011 RBLR1000
Fundraising for The Royal British Legion
Story
Could I just say a big thankyou on behalf of Phil and myself for the contribution you made towards our Royal British Legion Riders Branch 1000 miles in less than 24hr challenge.
To date the total monies raised from both our "Justgiving" web based efforts and our old fashioned sponsorship form is £775, we're going to keep up the effort for another week or so to try and hit a pound a mile, that was our aim.
The day itself meant we had to be at the start for 04:45hrs, it was absolutely tipping it down, not a good start. There we met Richard, editor of "Fast Bikes" magazine who was to ride with us on a Kawasaki Z1000SX (Maybe another magazine article in the pipeline). BMW had generously supplied us with two virtually brand new R1200GS's and a sponsor meant our fuel costs were also covered.
It all began as we hit the road at 05:12hrs with a clockwise route from Leeds to Manchester then North to Glasgow, Inverness and turn round point was Wick, however Phil and I had never been to John O'Groats and as the weather from Inverness north was dry we decided we should do the bit extra and go there. This added about 36 miles to the route but worth it.
It was now 15:00hrs and the sat nav was telling us we only had 480 miles left to go. South took us back to Inverness, Edinburgh, Newcastle and back to Leeds. South of Inverness it rained continuously and at about 21:00hrs the pains started. Right wrist old injury, rebuilt in 1997 was now apparently on fire and hurt like hell, shoulder and neck pains were also growing. Finally at 00:24hrs we had finished, a total of 1094 miles done in 19hrs 22mins an average speed of 56mph.
It was an adventure, I'm pleased to have done it and at times it was pleasurable however I can honestly say that I would not do it again but at a time when "Help for Heroes" and "Afghan Heroes" are more fashionable than the Poppy Appeal as an ex serviceman I feel the cause is far more reaching for all ex servicemen.
Again many thanks, every penny was gratefully received.
n me in supporting The Poppy Appeal.
Where your money goes
Your donation can help our heroes live life to the full
£5 will ensure that a housebound or hospitalised person receives a friendship visit.
£20 could help towards providing skilled advice and an hour's legal representation at a Disability Allowance or War Pension tribunal.
£75 could help towards providing a fresh start for an ex-Service man or woman so they can them adjust to life outside the Services.
£250 could buy an emergency lifeline alarm for an elderly ex-service person or their spouse.
£360 would give an ex-Service person or one of their dependants a much needed break at one of our Poppy Break centres.
£800 could provide a severely disabled person and their carer with a much needed welfare break.
£2000 could purchase an Electrically Powered Vehicle or scooter to give elderly or disabled veterans back mobility and an independent life.
£2500 could pay to install a stair lift in a home where it is needed.
£5000 could arrange a bathroom adaptation which would assist a disabled person to perform basic functions in their home such as having a shower or washing safely.
Whatever you give will help us carry on with our work