The Bustle team's biennial challenge is upon us. We are all a bit older (and certainly a lot less fit!), but after months of hard training the Bustlers are back and psyched for some action. On September the 14th we are embarking on our own 'Canalathon' along the Kennet and Avon Canal. It starts at the crack of dawn with a 10 mile run from Reading, then a 9 mile canoe, finishing with a 60 mile bike ride to Bath (and the pub!). Some of the younger Bustlers will be cycling the last 9 miles. This is a team effort and we are aiming to complete our challenge within 12 hours. 

Why may you ask are we embarking on this logistically and physically challenging escapade?

Charlie had cancer for 7 years and during that time he spent a significant amount of time in hospital. He could become very unwell quickly and we often had to seek emergency treatment for him, usually at night. The Bustle team are raising money to help establish an emergency service at the Bristol and Haematology and Oncology Centre specifically for patients with cancer where they can go at anytime of the day or night for help, advice or treatment if they are unwell. 

Here is the crack team:

Runners: The Major (Caroline), Helen (Parott), Gareth, Allan, Kev, John, Clare

Canoeists: Stevo, Moles (Helen), Mr Macca (Andrew), Mrs Macca (Clare), Paul, Pickett (Andrew), Summer, Chloe.

Cyclists: The Captain (Duane), Beth, Matt, Ned, Tommy, Benji - and these three are hardcore as you will notice they are also canoeing - Mr Macca, Mrs Macca and Paul.

A little history..... Charlie created the Bristol Bustle in 2013 because he wanted to give something back to the amazing team that looked after him for several years. Despite being very unwell after a second bone marrow transplant Charlie managed to walk 10 miles with friends collecting money whilst a second group did the Bristol Half-marathon. During his last few weeks of life he once again rallied the Bustle crew to take part in the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canalathon (2015) and in 2017 we did the Yorkshire three peaks. 

Any donations you can make would be amazing. This time we have two awesome younger folks taking part - Benji and Summer which is fantastic, so please dig deeper for them!

P.S Charlie was always keen to make sure that people knew that a bone marrow transplant is not an operation - no scape or surgeon is present, just a 'magic' bag of blood given by a donor. If you are interested in joining the register of donors please have a look at www.anthonynolan.org and dkms.org.uk (they accept older donors, even people as old as me!)

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