"We should do that."  It seemed such an innocuous comment when I said it.  We were watching a London Paris cycle documentary and I was tucking into my 7th Jaffa cake.  I was fully expecting a witty "As If" style put down from John when he shocked and horrified me with the words "Ok - I'll do it if you do it"

So it sort of snowballed from there and quite quickly I persuaded Nora, Sheila, Brendan and Ian that if me and my gammy knee and John with his ever growing list of ailments could do it, then they could do it too.  So the 6 of us have now signed up for the London Paris Cycle race 2010 - 520 km in 3 days.    Yikes !!

So many thanks for supporting us and our chosen charities - Leukaemia Research and MacMillan Cancer Support.

Why these charities?

12 years ago Sheila’s sister Marie was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, CML.  In its chronic form, this is one of the mildest forms of Leukaemia and the sufferer can lead a relatively normal life with treatment.  However, the disease will at some point become more aggressive and ultimately become Acute.  12 years ago, the only possible cure for CML was a bone marrow transplant which is a very invasive and, at that time, a very risky treatment.  Marie went for this option but unfortunately didn’t make it.  She died just over 10 years ago aged 33 and leaving behind 3 young children.

Fortunately, through clinical research a new drug has been found which greatly improves the prognosis for CML patients.  To understand the significance, consider diabetes as a Chronic disease for which there is no cure. A few decades ago, people would have died from it.  However, today with insulin injections, the sufferer can lead a relatively normal life.  CML isn’t there yet but with continuing advances in Leukaemia Research there is real hope for those diagnosed with CML and other blood disorders.

As for MacMillan Cancer Support, I believe we all know of someone who has suffered or is suffering from cancer. MacMillan do fantastic work providing practical, medical and financial support to those impacted.  They rely on voluntary donations for 99% of their income.

This website doesn't support 2 charities on the one page (that's IT for you)  so we have had to create 2 pages.  This page is for Leukaemia Research but if you prefer please go to www.justgiving.com/londresparis2010macmillan to donate to MacMillan. We will endeavour to ensure that both charities receive an equal split of all the money raised.

Thanks again,

Malachy, John, Nora, Sheila, Brendan and Ian