Although I’m now thinking I was bananas to sign up, I know it’s for a great cause. I’m hoping that you’ll sponsor my efforts to raise money for the British Paralympics Association and the Spinal Injuries Association. Both causes are close to my heart, or more specifically, to my central nervous system. In 1993 I suffered a very serious spinal injury that left me for a time completely paralysed. The SIA helped me rehabilitate, Paralympics GB do a fantastic job of supporting elite Paralympian athletes. Unfortunately many spinal injury patients are young folks who tend to be the life and soul of the party. I know that the huge change of circumstance brought about through a spinal cord injury is tough to adapt to. I was unable to keep playing the full on contact Rugby I loved, but sport can be a great rehabilitator. Having been unable to breath, eat, speak or move for more than three months I know how fortunate I am to still have the ability to experience the simple joy of riding my bike.
I would be extremely grateful if you could take a couple of minutes to donate to my fundraising effort – it will help me to keep focused on turning those pedals. Many thanks for your support, Pete.