<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">So the time has come to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats. After work on Thurs 14th July I will get the sleeper train down to Penzance and set off on Fri morning to start the trip. I'm doing this journey with my brother Dan and his friend Ash and we will arrive at John O'Groats on Fri 29th July.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">We will be carrying all our own equipment in panniers and staying in B &amp; B's along the route that have been pre booked so that we have to make the mileage each day.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">Why? A very good question and one I am asking myself daily at the moment! It will be 10 years since my mum passed away this September. She was a fantastic fundraiser and actively supported many charities throughout her life. I wanted to do something this year to raise money for a good cause. Also, which I know many of you will find unbelievable, I turn 40 this October! What better way to celebrate!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">Our team of 3 are raising money for Heartlink Childrens Charity based at Glenfield Hospital</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">Link :&nbsp;<a href="http://www.heartlink-glenfield.org.uk/"><span style="color: #1b23bf;">http://www.heartlink-glenfield.org.uk/</span></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">They are a fantastic local charity that help and support children with heart defects and their families. Through their many efforts they have provided specialist heart scanning equipment, ward improvements, a support line, a heli-pad at the hospital for the most urgent cases and much much more.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">There is a personal reason for choosing this charity too, namely my 3 year old nephew in law, Josh. He suffers from a serious heart condition which he has had since birth, and has benefitted throughout from the first class facilities and support available at Glenfield hospital in conjunction with Heartlink. During these difficult times his parents have experienced at first hand the amazing facilities and support this charity provides. It has been vital to them and so many other families in times of severe personal stress and upheaval ... and long may it continue.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">Heartlink are currently raising money for a 4D Ultrasound Scanner for Glenfield which weighs in at a hefty &pound;161,000. This piece of equipment will make a big difference to diagnosis and hence correct treatment ( you can read about it in more detail using the link earlier )</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Arial; color: #151515; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;" lang="EN-US">Any pennies you can spare would be much appreciated and may help my tired legs keep turning those pedals. Thank you, Liz x</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->