Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

From the 11 to 13 September 2008, 21 colleagues and I cycled from London to Paris.

Leaving Partnership House, Victoria at 11am to loud cheers from the many supporters who lined the street was fantastic.  The rain held off for most of the day making it an enjoyable but tough first 65 miles. Arriving at our hotel in Newhaven at 6pm was a welcome relief.  Waking to the news that the Chunnel was closed meant the 930am ferry to Dieppe was delayed by two hours.  The late arrival in France at 4pm, left us needing to press on during the 50 mile ride to Gournay un Bray. 26 miles of the route was along the Avenue Verte, a very attractive, smooth and flat cycle way formed from a redundant railway line.  However, the extra speed required to complete this phase in daylight added to the physical challenge. By the time I arrived at our hotel at 8pm, the cumulated damage of the two days in the saddle was telling and I was ready to stop. The final and longest leg (80 miles) to Paris started in a cold mist.  Going out first in a smaller group, the pace was less frantic and as the sun burnt off the mist we had a lovely ride through the French countryside.  The whole group met up for lunch and again later at the edge of Paris. Tired but smiling we cycled the final few miles together into Paris and on to the Eiffel tower for a champagne celebration. 

As a group we hope to raise £25,000 in aid of COSMIC www.cosmiccharity.com/ which is the John Lewis Partnerships Corporate charity of the year.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: COSMIC (Children Of St Mary's Intensive Care) gets your money faster and, if you’re ataxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Please note that every penny we raise will be going to COSMIC apart from the small charge Just Giving take to set up and administer this web site.

Many thanks

Colin