On the 26th March, 2023, seven middle aged men (Jon, Jack, Andrew, Ric, Neil, Rob and John) will face the challenge of a lifetime cycling Vietnam's notorious Ho Chi Minh trail to raise money for UK charities The Dean Masom Hope Tribute Fund (The Christie) and Once Upon a Smile. The seven will be self funding the trip so 100% of your donations will go to the chosen charities.

Starting in Hanoi, in the north of the country, they will head south and face nine continual days of cycling between 95-140kms through jungle routes and mountains in temperatures up to 35 degrees - including two consecutive days where they will cover around 100 miles each day. Their route finishes in Hoi An 9 days later.

£3,500 has been raised since 2020 and already donated to these important charities after Covid caused the initial trip to be cancelled. Thanks go to the original main sponsors whose logos will be emblazoned across the team's cycling shirts.

Once Upon a Smile is a Charity that provides emotional and practical support to bereaved families and is the only Charity in the UK to offer a variety of support for families through such a difficult time.

Here is an example of the difference Once Upon a Smile made to one family, written by a bereaved parent. “Our lives had just been turned upside down. It was painful enough telling our young son that his dad had died, let alone telling him the funeral was not going ahead. I cannot thank Once Upon a Smile enough for supporting us with the funeral costs and the ongoing support of gift cards for groceries. I do not know what I would have done without Once Upon a Smile”

The Dean Masom Hope Tribute Fund was set up to support brain tumour research at the Christie. So little is known about this area and it receives minor funding at present. Throughout Dean's life and brief illness he made those who loved him very proud and was a keen fundraiser, and would be proud of the fund and all those involved.

Your support is very much appreciated. You can donate to either charity or if you would like both to benefit please donate half to each.