I could not update this better than my mate Jeremy "Dear All This is just to let you know that the 23 of us cycling to Paris over last weekend, completed the ride on Sunday lunchtime as planned, after what was a thoroughly enjoyable ride through a mixture of incredibly cold and wet English weather on the way to Portsmouth on Wednesday, followed by an absolutely beautiful ride down the valley of the River Seine under glorious French sunshine, covering approximately 350 km over the full five days. Whilst the terrain was not overly arduous, the distance of the ride was taxing from many and was a great achievement for some, but we stuck together as a great team and everybody got through, to a state of some euphoria as we opened champagne under the Eiffel Tower and took photographs for the benefit of the local Surrey press. We returned to the UK by Eurostar on Monday morning, to meet up with the van and bikes in Woking around lunchtime, when we changed back into our cycling kit and rode the last few miles back to Chobham Rugby Club, to be met by our families and by Ben, the superb young chap who has inspired us all and from whom the desire to raise money for Royal Marsden is derived. Thank you very much to all those of you who have been able to support the charity by donating through the Just Giving site. Overall as a group, we are hopeful that we will certainly exceed £20,000 and with a bit of luck and indeed with your support, we may well get close to £25,000. My great thanks once again." UPDATE 15/4/08 Dear all, Thank you very much for your amazing response to date you have all been so generous. Ben has had an Operation now to remove the tumour and although the operation has left him without the use of his legs he is in good spirits and fighting on. I have completed part 1, the marathon in 4 hours and 38 mins and looking forward to the bike ride at the end of this month. Thank you all very much again. Fish As many of you are aware my son's best mate was diagnosed with a rare spinal cancer a year ago and, after 2 major operations, radiotherapy and several rounds of chemotherapy he is still fighting a belligerent tumour. During his treatment Ben, who is 11 years old, has surprised me with his resolve and bravery. He has retained his sense of humour - so much so that he thinks it would be hilarious for me to drag my frame 26 and a half miles around London in the Marathon! I accepted the challenge, entered and much to my shock got a place for April 2008! Running the Marathon will only be the first part of my challenge, because two weeks later at the end of April I have rashly organised a Chobham Rugby Club to Paris bike ride. Obviously I will not be doing these two challenges solely for the good of my health and Ben's amusement, so I have spoken to Ben and the Royal Marsden and I am hoping to raise as much cash as possible for a specific fund within the Royal Marsden that is focused on the research for treatment for this extremely rare condition that Ben is suffering from. The area of research is in Paediatric Spine and Brain Tumours. I understand that many people ask for sponsorship for lots of great causes but if you would be kind enough to donate to this cause I am self funding the marathon and the cyclists are self financing the ride to maximise our fund raising. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me now!
Many thanks for your support.
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