In March 2011 I cycled 2650 miles, coast-2-coast across the USA. From San Diego to Jacksonville solo and unsupported over 32.5 days.
While my motivation for undertaking such a ride remains a personal one, it seems a great opportunity to raise money for charity. I have chosen two that are close to my heart.
Brecon Mountain Rescue - Saving lives in wild and remote places - is run entirely by volunteers, it costs a staggering £27,000 per year to run the team. No funding is received from the Government, nor the National Lottery meaning operational team members must undertake their own fundraising to keep the team running.
The Team is ‘On Call’ 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year, all members are volunteers. The team responds to an increasing number of callouts each year, during 2010 the team were called out 86 times. Over 2300 man hours are given for searches and rescues each year, making it increasingly difficult to find time for vital fundraising. As a former operational member of BMRT I would like to use this opportunity to show my support for the great bunch of guys & gals that selflessly dedicate their time to help those in need.
In 2009 I lost my friend Cory Vance to Cystic Fibrosis. Aged just 23 years Cory’s courage was, and remains, an inspiration to many people across the World. I met Cory whilst working on a summer camp near Chicago, a place I would return for 5 summers between 1996- 2000, and once again in 2004. I knew Cory first as a camper, later working alongside him on the staff team.
Cystic Fibrosis affects over 8,500 people in the UK, there is no cure. The Cystic Fibrosis Holiday Fund provide financial assistance for UK children and young people with Cystic Fibrosis up to the age of 25 so they can take an invaluable break, some examples from their website:
- Lucy, 17, wanted to go on some special days out. A meal with friends, trips to the shops and cinema, a pop concert and a visit to a local beauty spot helped make all the difference.
- James, 12, went on a holiday to Cornwall with his dad. He loved fishing in a nearby bay and going on sightseeing trips.
- Caroline, 25, wanted to join her parents as they celebrated their wedding anniversary on a cruise trip in the Mediterranean.
- Cora, 12, and Justin, 4, and their parents went on a trip of a lifetime to Australia where they attended a family wedding. Cora played a leading role as a bridesmaid.
You can follow my adventure in more detail on my website at www.jacksonvilleorbust.co.uk
I would like both charities to be equal beneficiaries, due to the way in which Justgiving is set up I can only link one charity to each page, should you wish to offer your support I would be grateful if you could split your donation between both charities, however if you have a preference to support just one charity this is of course ok.
Use this page if you would like to donate to Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, to donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Holiday Fund use the link below:
www.justgiving.com/jacksonvilleorbustcf
Your support will make a genuine difference to someone.
Thank you.
