For just a minute, forget about the preparation, the hours of training, the wind and rain, the hills and climbs, the aching muscles or the massive personal challenge in itself. But instead think about the possibility that with your support we might just help one more person overcome their battle with cancer.

2011 will mark a sad occasion for us, being 25 years since Ruby Matthews (Alan’s mum) and 15 years since John Astley (Jen’s dad) both sadly lost their battle with cancer. Leading up to this anniversary, in memory of Ruby and John, and to acknowledge the courageous battle with cancer they both fought, in June 2010 we are cycling the gruelling 1000 mile end to end trip - Lands End to John O Groats. By 2011 we hope to have made a significant contribution to support the work of Cancer Research .

Ruby and John both had their lives cut short by cancer, missing out on so many things, including their grandchildren. If the money raised from this ride can help one more person fight cancer and enjoy the experience of becoming a grandparent then the pain and effort will all be worthwhile.

We would like to ask you for your support in this quest by helping us reach our target of £5000 for Cancer Research – just £5 for each mile we cycle. Whatever your donation, every little will help and just as cancer doesn’t discriminate against who it targets neither do we. Please pass this request to anyone you know whose life has been touched by cancer in some way and who may like to support us in our goal.

You will no doubt have many requests for sponsorship over the coming year so we are giving you plenty of notice and hope that if you are planning to donate to a charity over the next 10 months you choose our cause. We are funding the ride ourselves so can assure you that all of your money will go direct to Cancer Research .

We will endeavour to keep you updated throughout our training and the ride itself – without going into too much detail about the pain suffered from endless hours in the saddle!

Thank you for reading our quest and hopefully your support.

Alan & Jenny

Follow our journey http://alan-jenny-lejog2010.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/jennynastley