Hey everyone!

It’s cycling time again. The end of this May 2011 I am going to be cycling from Lands End to John O'Groates, 1000 miles in 9 days, so 110 miles a day, rain or shine, in memory of my uncle Mike Thomson. Please take 2 minutes to sponsor me for this guys and girls, whatever you can is much appreciated. I have a website for the ride where updates and info can be followed while we cycle at http://thomos-tour.moonfruit.com/#

Around this time two years ago Mike mentioned to me that he was interested in doing the ride himself. I was getting quite into cycling myself at this time so jumped on board right away. We both were pretty set on camping as much as we could to save costs, so I'm planning to continue in the same style camping where possible. We had always planned to do the ride as a charity event for a cancer research charity. Cancer sadly claimed the life of my uncle Adrian Pugh (40) and my Nan. My dad was also diagnosed with cancer when I was younger, but fortunately is still alive today.

Sadly, early last summer as we were finalising the times in which we could do the ride, which was this coming May, Mike was suddenly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. From being fit and well, Mike became desperately ill and tragically died at home, just 11 weeks after diagnosis, on the 22nd of August 2010. He was just 43 years old. He left a wife, Liz,  and five children, Lucy (18), Sarah (16), Matthew (13), Isobel (8) and James (3). Although he died at home, Mike was cared for during his illness by The Woodlands Hospice Trust. Their great skill and kindness was a source of comfort to Mike and his family.


Mike was proud to be a police officer for Merseyside Police, working most recently at St Anne Street police station, but previously Lower Lane and Walton Lane. A keen cyclist, he cycled to work every day. He was a great uncle and dad, always having a laugh with everyone and making up games for us all at parties. He was always up for playing footy with all of us nephews; we were last playing on Lucy's 18th birthday in May, just a week before he was diagnosed. He died very suddenly and we are all so shocked that he is no longer with us. His death has devastated  the entire family.


In memory of Mike and as a thank you to the trust for all their fantastic work I am cycling the 1000 miles to raise money for the charity. I raised £700 last year cycling 100 miles in a day in the Peak District so I'm aiming to better that amount this year!!


I'm going to name the trip Thomos' Tour after Mike. This trip means a lot to me and I cant wait to take on the challenge so please dig deep and sponsor me for this EPIC event I’m about to take on and share this webpage with anyone you know who would like to donate to a cause like this. Thanks for all your support guys!! Much appreciated.


Woodlands Hospice Charitable Trust was established in 1991 and first registered as an independent Charity in July 1992. The Trust is committed to delivering the best possible practice and development of Specialist palliative care for people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses with complex needs. It honours people’s right to dignity and respect at whatever stage of their illness, by its aim to improve the quality of life for Hospice clients and their families.

 

Here's the link to the trust
http://www.woodlandshospice.org/aboutus/thetrust

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