Father & Son Travel End to End
Fundraising for PROSTATE CANCER UK
Fundraising for PROSTATE CANCER UK
============UPDATE 04/06/14===============
Some of you will already be aware that my father is no longer able to accompany me on the ride. This is due to two tumours recently being discovered on my father's brain meaning that he has been undergoing treatment and is no longer well enough to make the journey. This was devastating news for my father, my family and I. Even more so since the plan from the outset was for father and son to complete the journey together. Despite this news, the whole family decided that the journey will still be completed by one of us and for me to continue with the event. A very close friend will now undertake the driving for the first six days with my brother in law taking over for the final three days when I return to The Midlands. My father still hopes to join me when the ride ends in Land's End on Father's Day and this alone will be all the encouragement I need to push through the times when riding simply becomes too hard.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Haywards Transport who have been extremely supportive throughout and I am looking forward to one of their directors joining me for several stages of the ride. I wish to thank Bridgtown Cycles for providing spares for my journey and looking after my bike these past few months and also for supplying a Bike Fit which had a great impact in curing injuries that had gradually appeared. Finally, I wish to thank all my family and friends who have been extremely encouraging and have donated generously to the cause with a special thank you going to my wife who has listened to my constant planning and preparation while continuing to remain supportive. I could not do this without all of you.
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Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Please, please, read on as I would like to tell you why I am raising money for ProstateCancerUK.
In April 2011 my father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. While this came as a shock to my family and I, my father remained initially upbeat as he believed that, with advances in cancer treatment, he would be cured in time. Unfortunately, following further tests, my father was told that the cancer was at an advanced state, which had spread to other areas of the body and as such, could not be cured. This news completely devastated our family. It was only then, following my father learning about the illness, that he realised he had actually been showing symptoms for at least two years. If awareness of this illness had been more widespread would my father have been able to detect this earlier to allow a full recovery? The answer is probably yes. For the past three years my father has been receiving treatment to slow the development of cells in order to allow him to maintain some normality for as long as possible. His employers, Hayward’s Transport, have been extremely understanding and he has been able to maintain his employment, albeit it on a part time basis, as the effects of his illness take effect.
ProstateCancerUK are continually trying to raise awareness of this illness. They are funding research at institutions across the UK and this has enabled the development of new treatment for early prostate cancer. They have also created "Men United" in an attempt to raise its profile amongst men. Did you know that across the UK around 40,000 men are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer every year? That every hour one man dies from Prostate Cancer (more than 10,000 every year)? That 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer? Two out of three adults DO NOT KNOW what the prostate does?
My father and I wanted to organise an event to raise money for ProstateCancerUK. Several ideas were discussed and we both wanted to do something that lasted several days when I remembered, as a 9 year old, my father drove the family from Lands End to John O'Groats. Since this was a memorable journey we both decided that I would cycle the route in the opposite direction. My father really wanted to take part in the event, but will be unable to cycle due to his condition. As such, the plan is for my father to follow me each day in a support vehicle in order to raise this awareness.
The event will see 900 miles cycled by myself, with my father supporting, from John O'Groats to Lands End in 9 days. This will commence on Saturday 7th June 2014 and conclude on Sunday 15th June 2014 when we arrive in Lands End. This was chosen as 15/06/14 is Fathers' Day and adds to the emotional significance of completing the event. Hayward’s Transport are kindly supplying a vehicle for my father to drive during the journey along with a fuel card to cover the fuel costs. Bridgtown Cycles are kindly maintaining and servicing my bike during the build up to the event along with supplying spares for me to use during the ride. Lynne Taylor from Bridgtown (World Record holder for the Ladies John O'Groats / Lands End ride and the 1000 mile Record!) is also providing valuable advice in relation to nutrition and training. Without the support of Haywards Transport and Bridgtown Cycles this ride would not be possible.
Prior to making this commitment the longest individual ride I had completed was 40 miles. To complete 100 miles for 9 consecutive days will certainly be a challenge, but a challenge worthwhile if we are able to raise funds for ProstateCancerUK to continue funding research and raising awareness. Please, please donate any amount your are able to afford. No donation is too small and they will all contribute to the final total. My father, my family and I will be forever grateful.
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