Story
Some time ago, firstly in 1988 and then again in 2002 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which, is not great first time round, let alone second to be honest.
for more background on this please check out:- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/men_shealth/3335060/Its-a-man-thing....html & http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1089027/Health-notes.html
I imagine all of us have been touched by cancer one way or another. in my case I was lucky in that the treatment I received was fairly experimental and ultimately very successful. My lovely daughter's Emilia and Georgie are testament to my treatment. This research was funded and supported in part by the 'Orchid Cancer Trust' who I support in my small way. please check out www.orchid-cancer.org.uk .
So this year I'm going to pretend I'm a cycling hero by cycling the first stage of the Tour De France which is being held in the Yorkshire Dales. It's about 130 miles come wind, rain or shine with all the money I raise going to the charity. I used to cycle years ago for 'Wandsworth & District Cycling Club' when 250 miles over 3 days wouldn't have been too much of an effort. However one of the side effects of the chemotherapy was that it scarred my lungs, so I sound like an a 100 cigarette a day man every time I go uphill! Still better than the other option.
For more information on the ride please check out:- http://www.orchid-cancer.org.uk/766/Grand-Depart-Yorkshire
Now the costs to the charity to put on this event is about £650 per rider. I will pay that personally plus a contribution so that everything you care donate will go directly into research and treatment. I realise that you probably get asked for such donations throughout the year but on this occasion I would ask you to consider this request favourably. without the research, treatment and care I received there would be no imminent arrival, no daughter and probably no Julian.
I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration,