UPDATE

Well im back from my trip.... and what a trip it was!!!!
I could lie and say it was easy... but i would just as quickly go back and carry on!!! met some of the most amazing people who will hopefully always stay in touch and the challenge made me realize so much about myself!!!

In total it was 1032km, however on the last day with 1km to go until lunch there was a little accident and i was knocked off my bike, badly bruised, cut and with a dislocated finger i rode in the van the 1km to lunch... my finger was popped back into place and straightened up, i was cleaned up and offered a ride in the van.... with only 20km to the finish line i refused and cycled on (in a lot of pain!!!!)

after a trip to the hospital once back its clear i now have AT LEAST 4breaks in my right hand and bruises and cuts on my legs that will take some time to heal.... however i would not change my experience for the world!! No greater sense of achievement when you get back on your bike after an accident like that!

Would just like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and participants who made my trip so amazing, especially Dave and Steve.. you guys are great!

 

To see some of the pics go on bebo www.bebo.com/jennie0987 and click on the pictures

 

One of the follow up stories in the evening times.... look half way down!!! :D
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/display.var.2453042.0.0.php

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Everyone has their own reasons for taking part in charity work. 
Mine has been due to one of the biggest inspirations in my life, my Grandpa. Through his life he encouraged me to always try my best, try new things and always think of other people, I think its thanks to him that I have achieved so much as I was always spurred on to try make him as proud as I could.

Sadly he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and passed away in 2003.
Cancer took away many of the things people take for granted, such as being able to walk around, drive and simply wake up in his own house. He was so well looked after in the last year of his life by Marie Curie, which allowed him to spend as much time as possible in his house with my Grandma (as she couldn't drive to the hospital) that ever since he passed away I have tried my best to help The Marie Curie Cancer Care.

So thats my reason's for backing Marie Curie every year... and this year is no different.... Just a tad bigger! haha

so New year.... New challenge....

I decided to take my interest in sports and my fundraising one step further this year and it is my hope and intention to raise funds for the Marie Curie Big Build, Glasgow. Along with the 10km run, I will be cycling from Latvia to Russia via Estonia. A mega 1,000km or 622miles!! Its a huge challenge to take on, but one I feel will be an experience of a life time!! Not only that but 3 days after getting back I will be turning 21 (might as well do it in style!)

"Bike The Baltic" as the challenge is known is made up for four stages. When you enter you pick which stage you wish to do. I've decided to do the last two stages... but this means raising a massive £5000, something that can only be done with a lot of support!!

The two stages i shall be tackling are as followed:

Stage 3– Riga to Talinn Starting in Latvia and finishing in Estonia, this challenge links two beautiful capital cities in Eastern Europe. We follow the Baltic coastline all the way, taking in some pretty coastal towns and the second largest waterfall in the country.

Stage 4– Talinn to St Petersburg This will probably be the toughest route. Although the shortest in distance, with much of the route close to the sea it is likely to be windy and chilly.

As i said it is a MASSIVE challenge to undertake. However I have already recieved support from my old school and have already come up with loads of fundraising ideas to hopefully help me reach my target, so to everyone at Bishopbriggs Academy, thank you!

Also my employers, USC, have kindly paid my registration fee which has paid for my flights, accomodation, food, bike, doctors and all that Jazz!!

Another thank you must go out to Mrs Donaldson, who has been a great help with ideas and getting the school involved in the first place! I didn't think people would have been as helpful as they have been so thank you to everyone!!

My local newspaper the "Bishopbriggs Hearld" and the Glasgow paper the "Evening Times" have also printed my story to help raise awareness of my cause.
Both of which I am so so grateful for! and since being printed many people have offered support!

Article from Evening Times..
http://appealglasgow.mariecurie.org.uk/news/student_bike_big_build.htm

My best friend and I will also be running the womans 10k, Glasgow in May once again! (Hopefully getting under the hour this year!) Two years ago we ran dressed as David Hasslehoff in his Baywatch days, and last year we dressed as Cheerleaders... pom pom's and everything!
so in Keeping with tradition... this year we will be dressing as Power rangers!!! (we have no shame!!)
After the 10km we raise a few hundred pounds, got our picture in the paper and had such a laugh! Also we ran it in 1hour 3min which is quite quick considering the HUGE costume we had on!

On the 5th Of July I held a charity disco at Allan Glens in Bishopbriggs! Was a good night and raised £500!!

so all thats left now is for the training to begin and the fundraising to start!!! Will keep everyone updated.... but again thank you!!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me. The charity will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

When you consider..
That every penny raised will help towards the care of patients within the new Marie Curie Hospice

Cancer is something that still has no cure, but with the support from Marie Curie it can be made easier for the patients and families.

Every penny for every mile counts!!

So please help me raise my target... as £5000 is A LOT of money and can only be achieved with your support!!!

Thanks for your support
Jennie McKie
Xxxx