As you can see from the attached picture - job done!  The ride was a great experience and I made many new friends and met some wonderful veterans.  The body held up well although the 1700M of climbing on Day 2 took its toll on the thighs -  I'm sure somebody said the route was flat! Many thanks indeed to all that have supported me and this great cause. For those of you who have just come on line this fundraising page will remain open until 12 Oct 08.

Please note that £800 of my sponsorship will benefit those in need down in England and the remainder will benefit those in Scotland through 'Poppy Scotland'.

I have thought long and hard about what to put in this space and after many drafts thought that the poem below, albeit one for Christmas, really brings to life what I am asking you to help with. Please could you sponsor me? From those who will benefit from your kindness
Thank You.
 
ITS CHRISTMAS DAY ALL IS SECURE
 
It Was The Night Before Christmas
He Lived All Alone
In A One Bedroom House Made Of Plaster And Stone
I Had Come Down The Chimney With Presents To Give
And To See Just Who In This Home Did Live
 
I Looked All About A Strange Sight I Did See
No Tinsel No Presents Not Even A Tree
No Stocking By The Mantle Just Boots Filled With Sand
On The Wall Hung Pictures Of Far Distant Lands
With Medals And Badges Awards Of All Kinds
A Sober Thought Came Through My Mind
 
For This House Was Different It Was Dark And Dreary
I Found The Home Of A Soldier Once I Could See Clearly
The Soldier Lay Sleeping Silent Alone
Curled Up On The Floor In This One Bedroom Home
 
The Face Was So Gentle The Room In Such Disorder
Not How I Pictured A Lone British Soldier
Was This The Hero Of Whom I'd Just Read
Curled Up On A Poncho The Floor For A Bed
 
I Realised The Families That I Saw This Night
Owed Their Lives To These Soldiers Who Were Willing To Fight
Soon Round The World The Children Would Play
And Grownups Would Celebrate A Bright Christmas Day
 
They All Enjoy Freedom Each Month Of The Year
Because Of The Soldiers Like The One Lying Here
I Couldn't Help Wonder How Many Alone
On A Cold Christmas Eve In A Land Far From Home
 
The Very Thought Brought A Tear To My Eye
I Dropped To My Knees And Started To Cry
The Soldier Awakened And I Heard A Rough Voice
'Santa Don't Cry This Life Is My Choice
I Fight For Freedom I Don't Ask For More
My Life Is My God, My Country, My Corps'
 
The Soldier Rolled Over And Drifted To Sleep
I Couldn't Control It I Continued To Weep
 
I Kept Watch For Hours So Silent And Still
And We Both Sat And Shivered From The Cold Nights Chill
I Didn't Want To Leave On That Cold Dark Night
This Guardian Of Honour So Willing To Fight
 
Then The Soldier Rolled Over With A Voice Soft And Pure
Whispered 'Carry On Santa Its Christmas Day All Is Secure'
One Look At My Watch And I Knew He Was Right
'Merry Christmas My Friend And To All A Good Night'

Written by a Peacekeeping Soldier serving in Afghanistan 2007