Matthew Earley - London To Paris 2009
Matthew Earley is raising money for Kidney Research UK
Story
Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Kidney Research UK gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Kidney Research UK gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
In a fit of madness I decided to ride the London To Paris Cycle ride for charity. This is a 500km (310 miles) ride over 4 days taking place on 1 July to the 5th (5th day we have off to have a look around Paris before catching Eurostar home).
Its a daunting challenge for me and not something I have ever done before. In fact I am somewhat of a couch potato so it will be battle of mind over matter. However its for a worthwhile charity. My chosen charity will be Kidney Research UK.
The reason I have chosen this charity is because 3 years ago my wife was diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease. This is a progressive disease which has no known cure or treament. As the disease progresses to Stage 4 the patient is required to undergo regular dialysis. When the patient hits Stage 5 this is termed Renal Failure and a transplant is urgently required.
On the positive side we are not at either of those stages yet. Generally my wife's health is reasonable and her remaining functioning kidney operates at 30% and has been stable for the last 2 years. As you can appreciate if you have been through anything like this, you can't help but feel totally helpless at these times. It is a waiting game with lots of monitoring visits to the hospital. For me personally I found it difficult as here are a set of circumstances where I have no control over what happens - all I can do is offer the support and comfort that's needed.
It is with this in mind a year ago I decided that to do something positive. Normally the done thing is to run the London Marathon, except as I found out I hate running - no I detest running. After much persuasion by a friend in Sept of last year - who by now is in New Zealand - I took up cycling and absolutely love it. And then I heard about the London to Paris cycle ride.
Monday was the big day when I got my confirmation papers. I have a mixture of fear and trepidation but I am committed to finishing the ride and raising some money for charity. So if you see me eating anything other than lettuce leave and bran flakes please make sure set me right.
For more information about my trip visit the website: http://www.londonparisbikeride.co.uk/