Story
MARTHA'S CYCLE CHALLENGE ~ JOHN O'GROATS TO LAND'S END
I am delighted to announce that I completed my cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End!
I arrived at Land’s End on Friday September 24th at 4.30pm. I was met by my husband and two close friends, Sue and Anne, with banners, balloons and bubbly! I travelled 1,050 miles in 112 hours, over 20 days, and have had amazing views of Scotland and England. I wore a 'Support-Dogs' t-shirt every day!
I was joined by friends for eight of these days. Ian joined me for three days in Scotland; Pete helped guide me out of Manchester and across Cheshire; Caroline kept me going through Shropshire, Worcestershire and the Cotswolds; and Derek joined me for the final hilly two days across Cornwall. Fortunately one gets fitter during the ride, so that Devon and Cornwall are consequently accessible.
Although I cycled on my own for twelve days, and made the arrangements independently, I could not have completed this journey on my own. I could not have done this without the companionship of my cycle buddies, and my friends who kept me company for some of the evenings; nor without the support and enthusiasm of my family and friends, with all their texts, and comments on facebook; as well as the new friends and acquaintances I have meant during my travels. Neither without my hubby, who was always at the end of the telephone.
Many people, some complete strangers, have given me cash and cheques to the Support-Dogs charity, and even more have donated directly on-line through my just giving web-page My web-page will remain open until January 1st 2011, for anyone who would like to make a donation.
People have been amazingly generous and kind, thank you!
As part of this cycle challenge I hope to raise as much money as possible for the ‘Support Dogs: Assisting Disabled People,’ charity. This charity brings people and dogs together, in partnership, so that these highly trained dogs can enhance vulnerable adults and children’s well-being, health and independence. The charity’s mission is: "To improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy, physical disabilities and children with autism by training and educating dogs to act as safe and efficient assistants and to provide additional 'facilities' for disabled people as the association from time to time shall deem appropriate." Obviously I would like to raise as much money as possible. Each Support Dog costs in the region of £10,000 to train and care for during its working life and there are still so many more people who could benefit from a Support Dog, which is why your help is so important. Any donation would be greatly valued and appreciated. Many thanks Martha (Dr Martha J Wrigley Huckins PhD RN)