Hello and welcome to my Just Giving Page. For those of you who know me well, I am sure you will agree that exercise and fitness are not words I use very often. Although I participate in football, my levels of fitness are limited and I count exercise as changing the channel on the Sky remote. For me to sign up for a 100KM bike ride through the Sussex countryside raised a few eyebrows and certainly caused many to chuckle. This is not just an opportunity to prove them wrong but it is a chance to raise money for a fantastic cause that provides so much to people on a daily basis. 

Chestnut Tree House is the only children's hospice in East & West Sussex who care for over 280 children and young adults from 0-25 years of age with progressive life limiting conditions. Chestnut Tree House do not only give care and attention for their patients but strive to provide the best possible care and support for the families and the children involved. They go the extra mile to ensure that the whole family is cared for including psychological and bereavement support, end of life, short break care and sibling support. 

Reading the stories of some of the children who have been cared for by Chestnut Tree House remind me of a friend and team mate who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at an early age. Martin Tallant, at the age of 14, started having trouble with his Vision. After numerous tests and specialists visits over a 6 week period, Martin was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. At first Martin and his family were relieved as they finally had closure on the matter and could research treatment and start the fight against it! Initially Martin was told that he may be lucky to reach the age of 18 considering all the damage that had already been done by CF. Martin was about to embark on treatment including 50-70 pills per day, countless days in hospital and physiotherapy treatment. Martin is now 29 and has surpassed the ages of 21 & 25 which doctors gave him to survive. The advice to Martin now is 'keep doing whatever it is that you are doing. It is working well for you'. 

Martin's story gives me a lot of motivation and is my main motivation for the bike ride. Martin has defied the odds and has taken life day by day with a smile on his face. 

The money that I raise for Chestnut Tree House could go toward helping someone like Martin & their family. They will provide excellent care and attention for the children and their families and give them the chance of a better life and a better future. Please dig deep and help me reach my goal (and better it!!!) so I can say that I have put myself through a day of pain and saddle sore to raise money for such a fantastic charity.