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Yes we are all fond of Indian food, but really this is taking things a bit too far.
We can hear you sucking your breath in through your teeth - it's madness we know, & the reality of the challenge is starting to set in!
In November 2007, we will be joining Professor Robert Winston and 200 other women in “Women for Women - Cycle India” – the aim is to cycle 390kms over five days through Rajasthan’s rugged terrain and more importantly to raise money for this excellent charity (see facing text)
So why are we doing this again, I hear you ask?
Liz says “ I will be 40 this year (hard to believe I know) and our son Harry, who sadly died from a childhood cancer 7 years ago, would have celebrated his 10th birthday in September 07 - so this seems an appropriate way to mark both occasions”
Michelle says “As someone recently diagnosed with MS – what a great challenge to partake in whilst raising funds for a charity close to my heart. It would prove to myself and others with the same condition that you can overcome any obstacles thrown at you in life – if I can do it anyone can!
Catherine says “Well someone has to look after these two idiots! But my real reasons are that my family has suffered with a history of fertility problems so I really relate to this cause”
Seriously though, all 3 of us are very lucky. Collectively we have 10 healthy children & we want to support this charity and help women who are less fortunate than ourselves
So let the training begin – well not just yet. Maybe we will start seriously in December!! - after all we have a year to build up our stamina to cycle 390km in five days – oh my God!
In terms of fundraising our collective target is £8400, which we hope to exceed - so we have some work to do. Our first big event will be the Adults Christmas Disco in Dunnington on the 9th December (almost sold out already) - can't wait!
We’ve got off to a great start with support from family & friends and donations from Persimmon Homes and Costcutter. But we still need & will be so grateful for all your donations large or small, size does not matter - send us your cash/cheque or sponsor us online.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Women for Women will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. We promise to keep this page updated on our progress with both the training & the fundraising.
Don’t delay - Please dig deep and sponsor us today.
Many thanks for your support.
Catherine, Michelle and Liz xx
November 2006
Well we have managed to get some very good advice from a chap called Steve, we consider him to now be our Cycling Manager. He put us in touch with the owner of a really good Bike Shop in Beverley who was equally a nice chap who looked after us very well and we are now proud owners of very shiny black bikes with gears and everything! Not only Bikes but matching cycling tops and shorts, seeing is believing!! (You’ll have to wait for warmer weather for photographic evidence).
December 2006
Well we have had a busy couple of months and fundraising has definitely taken over our lives. Most weekends we could be found wearing very Silly Hats behind a toy stall at various events. Last weekend we had our first major fundraising event and held an Adults Christmas Disco in our village, we lent our Husbands our Silly Hats to wear while serving behind the bar whilst we put our glad rags on and danced the night away. Everyone seemed to have a great time and we managed to raise £1050 profit, however a very fantastic couple were more than generous and offered us £1000 if everyone got on the dance floor, which of course everyone dutifully did which has bumped our total up considerably. Another major thank you to the DJ Phil who kept us grooving all night and to Fen who supplied us with the booze. So thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed the evening especially the hardened drinkers, hope their heads weren't too bad the next day!
January 2007
Happy New Year to you all, hope you had a fantastic Christmas. Thank you to all those that have been so generous. We have had many donations over the festive season which has been great - so nice opening your Christmas cards to find a nice few quid inside. For those that saw the three of us with various offspring and husbands delivering Christmas Cards around the village over the weeks before Christmas for our Card Delivery Service for Dunnington, you will be pleased to know that from your kind donations we raised £200. We delivered over 1000 cards, it wasn't easy - Postmen and women have our utmost admiration. So thank you for making it so worth while by giving so generously.
Training has started. You’ll be pleased to know just yesterday we cycled 13 ½ miles in about 1 hr 40 minutes which is a little worrying as Mike (married to Liz) did the Great North Run in 1hr 40mins, but it’s not bad for our first ride, only another 240miles to go. It’ll be fine!!!
March 2007
A busy month, so far we have had a Table Top Sale / Coffee Morning which raised a staggering £750. Thank you to everyone that had a stall, made cakes, served the teas, manned the Tombola, but mostly thank you for parting with your cash.
Exciting stuff, having seen our article in the paper we were invited to be interviewed on the 'Elly' show on BBC Radio York and of course we couldn't resist, what an experience. We had some very nice feedback from people, and I think we should be really proud of ourselves, we held our own and managed to enjoy ourselves at the same time. They have asked to keep in touch with them and would like us to phone them when we are away.
The Great Yorkshire Quiz, another outstanding £900 raised, everyone had a great time, we worked our socks off so we felt we had really earned that money. Mike did a grand job as 'Quizmaster', and Paul Cookson was remarkable at ringing that bell, a very responsible job! Paul Banks did a good job as Barman with the help of his trusty waitresses who kept the alcohol flowing. We cooked between us and friends 85 Jacket potatoes, only six were left. Christina made a very nice Chilli which went down very well, we can safely recommend her for any catering events, she was spot on with the amount she made. We had a lot of people asking us if we would do another event as they had 'right enjoyed themselves'!
Sunday 1st April 2007
We have just held our own for about 15 minutes playing the under 13's Heworth Girls at Football, after that it went a bit to pot. Thank you so much to the Girls for being such good sports and letting us oldies chase that ball around the pitch. A big thank you to the Evening service for thinking this little gem of a fundraiser up, thanks to the girls who did the refreshments and organised the raffle. Thank you to Christina for being in Goal, 12 goals wasn't bad - and as they say responsibility lies with the defence! Julie West who did actually score a goal followed by the duty bound cartwheel and Anita who dragged herself away from her packing just to help us out. Sheila and Deb who were complete stars, Deb was voted Lady of the Match well done her. Vicki who actually has a really nice touch on that ball when it came her way, Sheila and Sandra who gave it some welly in defence, and of course Sue who without her none of this would have happened. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone, I'm sure someone will let me know if I have. We had a fantastic time, I nearly had a coronary and had to borrow someone’s inhaler even though I'm not asthmatic, I'm sure riding a bike will be easier.
I think we would all say that most of the major fundraising is over but please if you haven't given yet, do as we have a little way to go. If you have, a huge thank you it is very much appreciated!
September 2007
Well summer is over, (what summer) and we can safely say that we have raised enough money to send all three of us to India (damn). I think to be fair we can say that we have been pacing ourselves with our training. We did the Selby bike ride of 45 miles, suffered our first puncture but a very nice man stopped to help us. We have found some very interesting local hills, seem to go up more than they go down.
Liz is now 40, sorry had to get that in. Lots of celebrating has been done and a good time had by all. Have a look on Ringo for the photos.
Michelle has been sunning herself in Portugal for the whole of August and although did go out on her bike, she felt a little bit of a mad english woman cycling in that heat.
Whilst Liz and Michelle were away I dragged myself and my neice out for a 28 mile cycle ride on one of the very hot days we had this summer, only to find that the 21 year old was flagging as she had had no breakfast - very sensible. She felt better after a lay down and a cereal bar.
Occasionally we have been to the gym for a cardio cycle class, now fondly known as Cycle Hell! Pure 45 minute heart pounding in your chest stuff, haven't done a session yet without feeling sick. Not sure if it has helped, the last time it sent my quads into spasm and I couldn't walk for days.
Liz and I spent a weekend in Northumbria and did a total of 80 miles or therabouts, 25 on the Saturday and 56 on the sunday in the Great North Bike Ride for the Chris Lucas cancer fund. We managed 56 miles in 6 hours. Not bad as their were plenty of hills, someone told us it was flat! They Lied!!!
This weekend we are of to the hilly cotswolds, 35 miles each day. We'll be fine, plenty of vaseline this time as I got chaffing where I never knew existed!
So it is exactly 11 weeks on thursday before we jet of to India, leaving on the 22nd November and returning on the 2nd December. If anyone would like to meet us off the plane we would appreciate banners, cheering, champagne etc etc.
We are thinking of having a small party over the Christmas period, just to celebrate the fact that we completed the challenge and to thank all those that have given us continued support. Not just financial support but those that have given their time and encouragment. You have been fantastic!
Ok, so watch this space, forward it on to all you know. I know we have raised our minimum but it is always great to raise more for such a good cause.
If you want any further information email me on catherine.banks1@btinternet.com
Please send me your email address if you would like any photos of our recent events etc.
19th November 2007
Well we are almost off, cannot quite believe it. Thank you to everyone who has sponsered us, don't worry if you haven't it isn't too late. I keep thinking about packing and then I'll think about something else. We all have our Visa's now, touch and go at one point but we have no excuse now.
We have had a few good meals so far this week, Liz and I have both scoffed Steak as though it were the last supper. I think it's the thought of being vegetarian for a couple of weeks.
Well watch this space, we will put an update when we return. Planning on keeping a video diary which I'm sure I will bore a few of you with.
Thanks again! xx
December 2007 - Our Return
Well we did it, and we have the bruises to prove it. Seems a complete age ago now. In fact it doesn't feel quite real. It was a fantastic challenge, not only the cycling but the heat, it reached 41 degrees one day - far too hot!
We were privileged to see parts of India that tourists never get to see. We experienced some rare and interesting sights which will need a glass of wine in our hands to tell you about.
Everyone did really well, their were plenty of tears and lots of laughter, but it is good to be home.
Thank you for all your support, your text messages, your cards and well wishes but mostly your MONEY!
Cheers!
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