I am about to test the tensile strength of my bicycle and am undertaking to pedal to Paris on the 3rd of September.

It’s an organized trip but I have paid all the costs associated with my accommodation and travel so your money goes to charity!

I am cycling for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

The reason:

As you are (probably) already aware, earlier this year Cameron, my (then) 10 year old son, was diagnosed – out of the blue -  with a brain tumour. He appeared fit and well and it was only discovered during a routine eye appointment by a very observant optician! It’s amazing what opticians can see, so I now highly recommend regular optical check-ups!!

Anyway he was lucky enough to be referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and it is the most fantastic place staffed by the most fantastic people. If you have to be ill as a child, it is the best place to be.

He underwent 6 hours of brain surgery to remove most of a tumour the size of an orange and without trivializing the enormity of that task, Cameron was not only sitting up watching television within two hours of the op, he was back at school within two weeks, such was the care he received.

GOSH is a charity and is funded by donations. It’s not just the way they looked after Cameron and all the other children in their care that impressed.  It was the way they looked after the parents and family that made a very difficult time much easier for us. 

Cameron was initially admitted to the high dependency unit within Parrot Ward. So by way of a thank you I wanted to try to raise some money for Parrot Ward so they can continue to help the children who are admitted there. The equipment they use is very expensive but from first hand experience it’s worth every penny.

So I am putting my more than ample frame and backside though the pain of a cycle trip to Paris; I thought it only right that I had to go through some pain as Cameron coped so well with his.

Any contribution will be appreciated and I hope to raise enough for a monitor.  So if you're up for a quid or two just click the link and make a donation; be as rude as you like with your comments, you never know where I'll need to find my motivation!!

I never expected to be availing myself of the services GOSH provide, I’m just glad they were there for Cameron and us when we needed them.

Thanks

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity (GOSHCC) gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!