I will be cycling from Paris to London to raise money for Children’s Hope Uk

At the end of March this year I was given the opportunity to take part in a charity bike ride which involved cycling on a road bike from New Look’s Paris head office to the New Look head office in London.

In a moment of madness I agreed to taking part with out even thinking about what was involved.

Then it dawned on me that I have never rode a road bike before and that my level of exercise at that time involved walking the dog and doing the school run.

I needed help and was put in touch by a mum at my son's school with a cycling club (www.vc10.org.uk) upon talking with them I decided to join and soon found myself taking part in there turbo core training session’s on a weekly basis.

Which is where I was given lots of advice on what bike would be good for me along with a training program that would quickly build my fitness levels.

Since then I have purchased a bike and have been training for 6 days a week, which has been a necessity as most people who embark on a challenge of this nature would train for 6 months before the cycle ride.

As I am sitting here writing this I'm thinking of the weekend that lies ahead of me.

A 30 mile 3 up time trial on Saturday and on Sunday a 66 mile Sportive event.

I hope that my training so far has put me in good stead to complete both within a reasonable time.

I have now done the 30 mile time trial in a time of 1 hour 27 min and also covered my greatest distance so far of 66 miles on one ride.This is a link to a photo of me in the time trial. http://www.sarahbrookephotography.co.uk/photo4798829.html#photo 

As part of my training regime I have now entered another sportive event  60 miles in Reading which takes place on the 9th of May.

24/4/10 Rode 45 miles to Oxford and back on the mountain bike great route and helped by ace weather.

4/5/10 Rode 40 miles around the Chilterns today in horrible gusting winds, it was nice to be back on the road after a week indoors on the turbo trainer.

Please read the information below about the charity's great work.

 

In Bangladesh a family of 5 live in one room of less than 18 sq ft. They share one bed and have no running water. Education is their life line from poverty. To qualify for the program, family income is less than £20 per month.

                                                                     

The charity provides education from age 11 through to University, along with additional support for the family by way of medical care and vitamin supplements. All for approximately £1000 per child !!

 

Funding confirms a comprehensive education and healthcare programme for 50 poor but bright children for the next 3 years. 14 of them already receive CH-scholarship (known as TG) for their outstanding results. Many are inspired by the opportunities given to them and are already aiming to reach the postgraduate level of education.

 

Malnutrition is the most common cause of illness amongst children, and also an important factor for underperformance in schools. Fashion Peddlars contribution has resulted in the introduction of the Nutrition Program for the first time.

 

40% of illnesses in Bangladesh are preventable. Most families cannot access the healthcare systems. Children’s Hope provides a comprehensive healthcare program; over the years this support programme has also saved many lives.

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Matt