Story
A year ago, one of my brothers-in-law died of mesothelioma. At the time, the effect that his death had upon everyone was intensified by the speed with which it occurred. It was only about three months from first symptoms to death – leaving little time to do anything but register incredulity at the fact that a single fibre of asbestos, believed to have been inhaled some forty-five years before whilst doing a student holiday job, could act with such callous disregard and aggression.
Twelve months on, and the circumstances of his death have permitted a healthier balance of gratitude to loss; the gratitude being for the fact that he at least had time to live the life he did. In addition, and I’m sure this not an uncommon personal experience among those who have lost others in this way, it also prompts a reflective appreciation of how important it is for all of us to value the life we have – and furthermore, to make the most of what we’ve got.
USE it or LOSE IT as they say.
On the 16th August I turn sixty - and, by way of celebrating the fact that I quite simply ‘can’, on that day I am beginning a cycle ride of 1000 miles – with the intention of finishing on the top of the Col du Tourmalet, having completed three classic Pyrenean climbs.
Starting in Boulogne, I will follow a campsite to campsite route down the western half of France over the next fortnight, finally wending my way along the French side of the Pyrenees to St Sauveur – having taken a short detour over the Spanish border at Hendaye to take in St Sebastian. Then, using St Sauveur as a base, I will attempt climbs of the Hautacamb, Luz Ardiden and finally the Tourmalet, on successive days.
But rather than just invest all the time and effort involved in a smug sense of personal achievement alone, I am using it as an opportunity to raise money for two causes – the June Hancock Research Fund and a Trust for Children in Public Care
At the time of writing, the sponsorship fund (off-line) stands at approximately £1000 . . . and, although the total is rising more slowly now, I’m hopeful that there is still time - with YOUR help - to nudge the final total closer to £1500 by the ‘launch’ date in August!!
Having never undertaken a sponsored event before, I’ve become increasingly aware of how significant the amount that’s been committed is to people doing this sort of thing, as an incentive - affecting both one’s level of general determination and, more surprisingly, the capacity to override discomfort (even pain) by making the simple, pragmatic calculation of how much the next turn of the pedal is worth.
For this reason – if for no other – I would be both grateful and indebted to any one who wishes to contribute to this sponsorship.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.