*****NEWS FLASH *****13 April 2012*****  

In September 2011 we successfully cycled Mont Ventoux in aid of Beating Bowel Cancer and thanks to our supporters raised over £5,500.  During our stay in France we took the opportunity to drive to the top of Alpe d'Huez which Jonathan later cycled, however with 21 hairpin bends I decided that climb was too tough for me at that time.  Now, not wishing to be beaten, I have set myself the challenge for September 2012 of not only trying to get to the top of Alpe d’Huez but also cycling the Col du Galibier – am I mad – well yes, I probably am!

Each of us is bombarded with charitable requests on a seemingly daily basis and I won't be in the least bit offended if you decline this opportunity.  However, should you feel able to sponsor me, any contribution of whatever size will be greatly appreciated.

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OUR STORY....

At the age of just 48 Ian Mashen died on 10 May 2010 after a 2 year battle against bowel cancer.

Courageous, Inspirational, Determined, Funny, Kind, Decent - a great husband, son, twin brother, friend and cycling addict - that was Ian!

Ian was diagnosed in June 2008 the news of which was a great shock.  Unfortunately the bowel cancer had already spread to his liver and was considered inoperable.  Despite the fact that he didn't smoke, rarely drank alcohol, followed a strict diet and was super fit from his passion for cycling, he'd been slow to recognise the symptoms, which are:

Bleeding from your bottom, change in bowel habit (especially going to the loo more often), abdominal pain, a lump in your tummy, weight loss and tiredness.  Most of these symptoms will NOT be bowel cancer, however if you have one or more of these symptoms for more than 4 to 6 weeks you should see your GP for further tests to rule it out.

Bowel cancer affects over 35,000 people every year - men and women of all ages - and claims almost 50 lives every day.  BUT caught early and treated successfully it is completely curable.  Early diagnosis is key to survival and that is why we want to support the work of Beating Bowel Cancer, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of the disease.

   Stop smoking

   Understand the symptoms

   Regularly exercise

   Value your body

   Intake less alcohol

   Visit your GP

   Eat healthily  

Our original challenge which started on 5 June 2010 was to "raise £'s by losing lbs" and our joint target was 100 lbs by 5 December  2010 - we made it to 65lbs.  However, one of Ian's dreams was to cycle Mont Ventoux with Jonathan so we extended our challenge in a bid to get fit enough to attempt the ride together which we achieved on 12th September 2011.   

Thank you,

Yvonne & Jonathan Mashen -x-

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