We are 8  work colleagues working for Bluefin Solutions Ltd., who have decided to cycle 265 miles between the company offices in Liverpool and Kew (W London), over 3 days in May to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan do excellent work establishing innovative cancer care services in the NHS. Macmillan nurses meet with people as soon as possible after a cancer diagnosis, and offer information, care and support - practical, social, and emotional - for as long as it is needed.

The team (Helen, Dan, Andrew, Tony, Jan, Gabriel, Peter and Andy; with Nick in support) are now all training hard and are very much focused on being ready for the big day, May 20th 2008, when we aim to make sure that your kind donations made in support of our efforts prove to be well placed.

So please give what you can; ask all your friends, families, and business contacts to sponsor us... and wish us well on the road in May.

Finally, to help us keep a track of donations, if you are supporting via an individual,  we would be grateful if you would record this in the comments column, e.g. "Via Helen - Good luck everyone".

Thank You

Helen, Dan, Andrew, Tony, Jan, Gabriel, Peter and Andy

Team quotes:

Helen Fenton  - "I'm cycling Liverpool to Kew to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of my father, Alan, who died last year. He loved the English countryside - as a walker rather than a cyclist, and I feel he would have thoroughly approved of our route (in particular the sections through Shropshire and Gloucesteshire ;-) Late May is also, in my opinion, when the English countryside is at it's best. But don't get me wrong - I'm not just cycling for the fun of the tour! 265 miles by bike in 3 days is going to be tough! Make no mistake!! I wish that my parents could have had the support of a Macmillan nurse last year. And that's why I'm working hard to raise every penny we can for Macmillan."

Dan Hawker  - "I'm doing the ride to prove to myself I can do it! And to raise some money for a great cause."

Andrew Brown  - "I have been involved with several organised charity fundraising events for Bluefin, but this is by far the most challenging!  MacMillan Cancer Support is a fantastic charity to be raising awareness for and hopefully a great deal of cash for much needed projects."

Tony Harper - "On the 20th of May I will be swapping the pushchair for a pushbike and be joining the Bluefin office to office charity bike ride. This adventure joins a growing line of silly stunts that will surely be followed by more. When asked about the trip I said "what yeah ok I'll do it." It was only later that I realised just how far Liverpool to Kew is!"

Jan van Ansem  - "As the 'Cycling Dutchman' in the Bluefin team I welcome any event that raises the profile of cycling. I truly believe that many more people could benefit from cycling, and that it should be considered as a good alternative for local transport. Unfortunately lack of publicity and lack of good infrastructure still leaves the cyclists the odd one out on the road"

Peter Conway  - "As a keen cyclist this is a great opportunity to raise money for Macmillan in memory of my Dad who died recently from bladder cancer. At the time there was no local Macmillan support available, so I hope that we can help ensure that others get the benefit of the fantastic work they do."

Andy Wilson - “One of our friends has recently been diagnosed with cancer which has sadly pushed the work organisations like Macmillan to forefront of our thoughts. The cycle ride gives me a perfect opportunity to do something to support an organisation that supports and cares for cancer sufferers and their families.”

Nick Heath - “I have been engaged in a punishing training schedule with the Bluefin S-Max Support Vehicle for over two weeks. Initially practising with short drives of about 5 miles, I have now completed a 75 mile run along similar roads to those we will be using in May. I’m now quietly confident of outpacing the others come the main event.For further preparation in the coming weeks, I will be checking out the inventory in the first aid kit, learning to use the sat-nav, testing the 12V cool box and watching the cycling on Channel 4.

"The Broom Wagon" or la voiture balai – was first introduced in 1910. The purpose of this vehicle is to "sweep up" riders at the back of the field who can no longer continue or simply wish to retire from the race. Their numbers are unceremoniously removed and they are bundled into the back. Star riders rarely use the broom wagon, preferring the less inauspicious option of climbing into the back of their team cars.”

Gabriel Matesanz - “I’m doing this for 2 main reasons: one, for not to apply the count-10-before-you-answer rule when I was offered and two, being to proud to rectify. As well as them, I think raising money for a Charity like MacMillan is a worth while motive. I’d also like to show my boys the importance of helping other people and justify all the hours daddy spent on top of that stupid bike dressed like a robot and not playing with them. Everything was done for a good cause. Ann, thanks for challenging (not sure I’ll be so thankful after the event though!) and supporting me, as always.”