.

. 

I am Martin Barlow.   Retired Police Officer. Age 63
 
Richard Percival (Percy) was a very good friend of mine for nearly 20 years. He sadly died of a stroke in February last year. He had been planning to cycle from Lands End to John o' Groats in July but did not get the chance so a group of us are cycling LEJOG this June.

Percy had bought a bike especially to complete the ride and it is my plan to ride his bike. I have ridden many miles on it already while training which has now started in earnest. 
I am doing this in his memory and to help other stroke victims by raising money for Southampton General Hospital Charity.  
 
Percy's last days were spent in the Wessex Neurological ITU at that Hospital. This appeal aims to raise £250,000 to purchase a specialist, portable, CT brain scanner for the Neuro ITU. Without this scanner the treatment of patients admitted to the ITU could be delayed vital minutes, where the speed of treatment can be crucial to their survival and a successful recovery.
 
Thanks for taking the time to read this.