My story

LATEST NEWS The Eagle has landed ! We rolled into J O'Groats Friday afternoon (28th), 12 days and 1030 miles after leaving Lands End. We started in bright sunshine, we ended in bright sunshine but in the middle we encountered conditions as severe as anything I have ever experienced on a bike before. Sods Law, naturally, dictated that the foulest weather coincided with the most topographically demanding stages. Up the Trough of Bowland and over the Pennines on days 6 and 7 and then again on day 10 when we had to tackle the Cairngorms, were particularly grim sections containing a good number of sustained gradients greater than 15% to overcome in high, gusting, sometimes gale force winds and torrential rain. The wind chill meant we were all forced to don full winter gear but it was barely enough. At the top of Shap Fell my heavier team mates insisted I let the back-up transport take me down the mountain as they feared for my safety in 70 mph winds having seen me twice blown off my bike on the ascent. Then at the top of the infamous "Devil's Elbow" (which we, thereafter, renamed with a different part of the his anatomy!!) at Glenshee, I again had to take a ride and be ferried to Braemar, at the bottom of the mountain, to buy some more effective gloves as my totally numb hands would have been lethal on the alpine-like descent. It didn't help, of course, being aware that down in the south it was for the most part warm and sunny! I reckon this side-tracking caused me to miss 30/35 miles (mostly downhill), so I think I can reasonably still claim "mission accomplished"; I was perfectly fit enough to go on on those occasions but there was the wider picture to consider - namely, the effect my circumstances and actions would have on the peace of mind and well-being of the others. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has supported me both morally and financially and to the Old Ports lads who allowed me to share their trip and who looked after me so thoughtfully and thoroughly. You all made, and continue to make, a difference Les

My gallery 1

My Teams

My company

My charity

The Cure Parkinson's Trust

The Cure Parkinson's Trust

Charity Registration No. 1111816

The Cure Parkinson's Trust has one bold aim - to cure Parkinson's. Our research portfolio is dynamic and we are uncovering new targets for the treatment of Parkinson’s. Founded by patients, and driven by our patient supporters who are demanding new treatments, we are passionate about finding a cure.

Donations 28

Well done Les.What an achievement

Donation by Iain A.Urquhart on 29/07/08

£200.00

+ £56.41 Gift Aid

Great stuff Les

Donation by Steve Hollingdale on 26/07/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Well done, Les. A great achievement

Donation by Rob Brown on 17/07/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Nice one Les. Fantastic effort.

Donation by Adrian Stocks on 10/07/08

£10.00

+ £2.82 Gift Aid

You are an inspiration. Well done.

Donation by Matt, Colette, and Joseph on 09/07/08

£50.00

What a boy!

Donation by Judith Doyle on 08/07/08

£200.00

+ £56.41 Gift Aid

Brilliant effort, well done.

Donation by Richard Griffin on 07/07/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

WELL, I walked to work and back ,Plumstead to Woolwich ,the hills are a killer so I feel justified in saying WELL DONE xxx

Donation by Janet on 06/07/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Bloody brilliant Les. Well done.

Donation by Denis Lawrie on 06/07/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Great effort Les. Well done.

Donation by John Taylor on 02/07/08

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Awesome ride, Les. Congratulations!

Donation by Louise and Tony on 01/07/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Thought about you everyday. Glad you made it safely. A fantastic feat.

Donation by Allan Murrell on 29/06/08

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck ,watch out for the trees!

Donation by Fiona Paul Tom and Frank on 16/06/08

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck.

Donation by Gary Williams on 13/06/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Les! Jenny & I wish you a safe trip with a southerly wind all the way!

Donation by Nick Nuttall on 12/06/08

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck, safe ride!

Donation by David Appleton on 12/06/08

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

Dont get disconsolate when you get to Scotish border and realise that you arent half way there yet!!!! Good luck old friend.

Donation by John Cave on 09/06/08

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

best of luck Les, lest pray for a chuff wind!!

Donation by Dave Hickman on 08/06/08

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

May you have California sunshine and Sal far behind.

Donation by Gail and Gary on 29/05/08

£75.00

Best wishes

Donation by Colin Derrick on 28/05/08

£20.00

+ £5.64 Gift Aid

All the very best Les

Donation by Wendy Horton on 26/05/08

£30.00

+ £8.46 Gift Aid

Wishing you good luck and great weather!

Donation by Anne and Richard on 17/05/08

£50.00

+ £14.10 Gift Aid

Great job and all the best, Les

Donation by Gordon Hunter on 09/05/08

£250.00

+ £70.51 Gift Aid

Your are a star Les

Donation by peter taylor on 09/05/08

£200.00

+ £56.41 Gift Aid

You're an inspiration to all Parkinson's sufferers; very best wishes

Donation by Russell Poynter-Brown on 04/05/08

£100.00

+ £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation summary

  • * Online donations$2,918.40
  • Offline donations$1,433.50
  • Text donations$0.00
  • Total raised$4,351.90
  • Gift Aid$769.69

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.