17 May - 31 May 2010

Right, now the marathons and the fun runs are over and out of the way, here is one more request for a donation to a worthy cause...

JOGLE stands for John O'Groats to Lands End and is considered  to be the ultimate cycling challenge in the UK.  The route from top to bottom is about 1000 miles.   You will remember that Sport relief managed the route in relays over 82 hours, with each rider covering about 30 miles a day.   As I am not supported by 6 other riders, a luxury coach and a million pounds worth of sponorship, I will have to cover 80 miles a day for 2 weeks to complete the distance.  As I am travelling solo, I also need to carry all my own equipment (about 20kg); including a tent which I will be using each night.

WHY???  Well apart form the personal challenge of completing this unsupported, fully loaded and in the wrong direction (nearly every one does it the other way as they get the wind behind them), I have decided to attempt this rediculous journey to raise a bit of cash for the Great Ormand Street Hospital (GOSH).  As you all know GOSH does so much good work all those who enter through its doors.

One such case, was the story of Jobe (see photo 2) who was born at 4lbs and  rushed straight into intensive care. The local hospital was unable to work out why Jobe's blood flow to the lower half of his body wasn't functioning. As a last resort, he was rushed to GOSH. They discovered that he had a rare lack of aorta. Worse still he also had a large hole in his tiny heart and an extremely rare form of haemophilia. Incredibly GOSH had one of only two surgeons in the world who could operate on such a condition in such a small baby. Thanks to the unique standard of care, surgeons and the  financial support at great GOSH, after two 8 hour heart operations and three years care,  'baby', Jobe, grew up to become "little" Jobe and is incredibly special to his family.

For this, and a thousand of other similar stories, a group of friends and family of Jobe have agreed to raise money for GOSH this year to show their appreciation.  Climbs up Mount Kilimanjaro, poker nights, charity balls and raffles hope to raise at least £27,000 over the year. My ride is my small contribution!   Any amount you can give will be gratefully received (no matter how small) and every penny will go to the charity as I am completely self funding my own trip.

Finally, you will recall I have never asked for donations for any of my previous crazy ventures and will be unlikely to do so again after this so please dig deep and be as generous as you feel you can...and in advance, many thanks.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.