Story
I started the cycle ride in the rain on Friday 7th July as planned, and finished on Sunday 16th July. I covered 952 miles in 10 days with only 3 major soakings due to poor weather. I am in the process of writing a brief story on the trip, and would be happy to send it to you. I hope it will be as amusing to read as I intend it to be. If you would like to be copied with it drop me an email to graham@timbercroft.co.uk or write to me at the address below.
A BIG BIG thank you to all those who have and are still sending donations. You can donate on here or send a cheque payable to Breast Cancer Care or Graham Lees to:
Graham Lees c/o Cotswold Lifts, Unit G1 New Yatt Business Centre, New Yatt Witney, OXON OX29 6SY
I had two targets, one to complete and the second to raise £10,000 for breast cancer care. The first I have achieved, and those that took the time to SMS or Email me words of support, you really have no idea how much that helped. The second I still need help, so please keep the donations coming.
Cancer is a small word but touches each and every one of us in a big way. This was my way of doing my bit for Breast Cancer Care, Céleste's preferred charity. It was quite hard work, but I have really enjoyed the experience. I cannot put in to words the sense of achievement I feel.
During the trip I could be located on the tracker by going to http://webtrack.mobile-eye.com and using the login madbloke and password madbloke. If you want to see the route and speed timings etc. this is still available.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Breast Cancer Care will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
My thanks to all those who have or are about to sponsor me, and the messages of support. Several Sponsors had offered a completion bonus, which was an incentive to carry on when things got tough. I cannot really list everyone here, however In particular I would like to mention:
Sue Fletcher who managed to organise all the excellent accomodation and providing much encouragment before, during and after the event. Shame she could not organise the weather so I did not get fog bound in Wick the day I was due to fly home!
Brian at Mike Vaughan Cycles in Kenilworth, www.mikevaughan.co.uk, for his help in choosing my bike, good advice and always a smile.
Rory at Scottoiler, www.scottoiler.com, for providing me with the AFS Cycle Oiler. I use scottoilers on my motorcycles and they are simply THE BEST.
Ian Munro at Munro Valeting Supplies, www.munrovaletingsupplies.co.uk, for providing printed tee shirts free and collecting cash donations.
Cotswold Lifts www.cotswoldlifts.co.uk, for allowing me the time to do this feat and in particular Sue for her help in fundraising and organising.
Pilot Flight Training www.flighttrainingwellesbourne.co.uk for allowing advertising posters and collecting loose change and donations from members and visitors.
All at Wellesbourne Airfield www.wellesbourneairfield.com, especially Frankie for donating the proceeds of the BBQ raffle adding £86.00 to the sponsorship.
All at Invalifts www.invalifts.com for offering and paying additional £250.00 if I do it in less than 12 days - that was a major incentive!
3G Comms, www.3gcomms.co.uk, for not only providing a donation, but also arranging the tracker and phone so my whereabouts can be tracked.
Terry, the owner of the Touchdown Cafe at Wellesbourne Airfield, for selling off some valuable aerial photographs and then doubling the proceeds raised it with his own money as a donation. Does the BEST bacon in Warwickshire if you're passing!
Peter Boardman of Dunbar & Boardman, www.dunbarboardman.com, one of the UK's leading Lift Consultants, for a very generous donation of £500.00
The staff at OTIS in Leicester for donating the proceeds of a dress down day and in particular the ladies who baked cakes and sold them to raise additional funds.