04.08.10 Update - visit our Blog here to keep up with us along our journey!

The Challenge

In August this year the two of us, Mike Irvine (the Father-in-Law) and me (Joe Hickerton), will be jumping on our bikes and riding the entire length of the UK. That's roughly 1000 miles (!) in just 12 days (!!) averaging 80 miles a day (!!!) from Land's End to John O'Groats (LEJOG).

The Cause

We are doing this ride in memory of my sister Ria who died suddenly and unexpectedly in October 2000, at the age of 16. The Sudden Adult Death (SADS) Trust were fantastic in their support and provided my family with information to help understand and come to terms with Ria’s loss. SADS UK fundraise to provide Heart Monitors and Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s) to help safeguard the community and work relentlessly to raise awareness of unknown heart conditions, particularly in young adults.

As a family we have fundraised over the last few years to help SADS in their aims and would really appreciate it if you would donate to this very worthwhile cause!

So Where Did It Start?

The idea for the ride came about towards the end of 2009 when we were returning in the car from a day on the mountain bikes. A throw away comment swiftly turned into a serious(ish) conversation and by the time we pulled up on the drive at home we had convinced ourselves (at least) that we would do it, "next summer sounds good!".

Then came a few months of doing too little training and too much eating/drinking/anything really. While all the time planning the route, places to stay, number of days in the saddle etc. Not as easy as it sounds, especially when the two of us live no less than 100 miles apart and lead very busy lives (excuses?)!

Preparation

The preparation has not been without it's hiccups, such as one too many beers on one too many occasions, oh, and a concussion and near broken elbow for me whilst daringly tackling, on my mountain bike, a high speed risky technical downhill section (edit: a slow flat not at all technical and frankly easy section) at Cannock in May, it was the hidden tree stumps fault (more excuses) and before you ask - the bike is fine, not a scratch.

And so, as the ride fast approaches (where has the time gone?) we are both in tip-top shape, the peak of physical condition, and if you believe that... Seriously though, we are looking forward nervously to the days in the saddle and are determined to overcome any problems that will undoubtedly be thrown at us. We would both like to thank everyone who has supported us this far, and of course everyone who finds the time to make a donation, every penny will spur us on.

Donate!

And now for the boring bit.... Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.