Story

My Story (Tony Boardman)

The Pyrenees Coast-to-Coast Classic with PyrActif in Aid of Cancer Research UK (Charity Registration No. 1089464)

My challenge is to cycle from Biarritz on the Atlantic coast to Argeles Sur Mer on the Mediterranean coast taking a six-stage route over the French Pyrenees (route attached). The arduous 440 mile journey with a climb just short of 40,000ft, will include some of the Tour de France classic routes, such as, the Col de Tourmalet, which has the highest road in the central Pyrenees at 2,115m/6,939ft. It all has to be completed within 6 days, and in doing so, I hope to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK (registered charity number 1089464). This coast to coast classic is organised by a company called PyrActif, who are the Pyrenean cycling specialists (their weblink is attached below). The 100-mile first stage commences on the 5^th September 2010, and as for my progress, well, I’m hoping to embrace the new mobile phone technology and update Twitter on a regular basis. Each stage profile can be seen via the attached photos (5 photos in total).

(Please note that, all expenses have been paid for personally so that no costs, whatsoever, will be borne by Cancer Research UK)

As to why I have taken this challenge; well I thought I’d ask for my wife Maddie's opinion and she said, ‘Because you’re mad, insane, having a mid-life crisis…’ but then she followed with, ‘Because you care about your charity’.

And, I guess, that’s it.

My inspiration came from reading Lance Armstrong’s autobiography, ‘It’s Not About The Bike’, while holidaying in Ireland last year. It was certainly strengthened when, quite by chance, I bumped into the seven times winner of the Tour de France, and cancer survivor, in Bantry, just before he started the third and final stage of the Tour of Ireland (see photo 2). He didn’t win that day but he did manage to successfully raise the awareness of his 'Livestrong' cancer support foundation.

When this quest was suggested to me by my friend Bert, I jumped at the chance of joining him. It was not only because it allowed me to ride in the footsteps of The Tour greats, past and present, but also to create an opportunity for myself, family, relations, friends and colleagues to raise some money for, what I consider, a very worthwhile cause. I know that cancer is indiscriminate, striking anyone at any time, and has a profound and long-lasting effect on all those who have the misfortune to be affected. Any little difference we can make would mean so much.

Please support Cancer Research UK by sponsoring me on this challenge, to either completion or as a donation. You can either click the 'Donation' button on the http://www.justgiving.com/anthony-boardman web page or contact me via any of the methods below to make a sponsor form entry (confidentiality will be assured if you so wish).

If you are prepared to provide your name and address, 28% of your donation can be recovered from the Government as a Gift Aid to Cancer Research UK.

Thank you very much for your time and generosity.

Sincerely,

Tony Boardman

email home: ajboardman@talktalk.net

or tony@bangers-n-mash.fsnet.co.uk

email work: anthony.boardman@british-energy.com

Tel. home: 01524 720527

On-line donations: http://www.justgiving.com/anthony-boardman

Keep in touch via: http://twitter.com/TonyBoardman

Cancer Research UK contact details:

Natasha Howe