On 21st August 2009 I will be setting off from London to cycle to Paris to raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of my sister-in-law Caroline.
Caroline was one of the most active and generous people I have ever met. She had completed a Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold award and was a junior leader for DofE. She had recently started the training for the next stages of DofE leadership. She was a keen horse rider and was helping to teach others to ride at her local stables. She was also a keen athlete, running regularly and attending the gym.
Caroline died of Meningo-Encephalitis in August 2006 while on holiday with her Parents. She died just two days before she would have received her A-Level results, guaranteeing her of a place at Salford University, reading a Sports Science degree.
This year would have been a double celebration as Caroline would have just turned 21 and I have just had my 40th birthday. I wanted to do something to raise money for Meningitis Research Foundation, who gave our family so much help and support when Caroline died, and to celebrate a life that was cut so tragically short.
My challenge will see me cycle nearly 200miles/320km through two different countries over three days. I will cycle from Tower Bridge in London to Newhaven (69miles/110km) on the first day where I will catch a ferry to Dieppe in France. On day 2 I will cycle from Dieppe to Gournay (54miles/86km) through the picturesque French countryside before the final 79miles/127km ride to Paris to finish by cycling down and then back up the famous Avenue Des Champs Elysees, around the Arc De Triomph and finish at the Trocadero Gardens.
I need to raise a minimum of £1,350, however my aim is raise at least £2,000. Meningitis Research Foundation fund research to prevent meningitis and septicaemia, and to improve survival rates and outcomes. They promote education and awareness to reduce death and disability, and give support to people affected. Their vision is a world free from meningitis and septicaemia.
Thank you for visiting my page and for your support – the Meningitis Research Foundation and I am very grateful.
Paul
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