Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I am attempting to complete the Etape du Tour, one of the stages of the Tour de France this year, on July 6th.  It`s 165km across the beautiful foothills of the Pyrenees, before the serious business of ascending the formidable Col de Tourmalet (2115m, pictured). After that it`s a long descent to Argeles - Gazost before the killer finish - the Hautacam, another 1100 m of climbing. Apart from the other 8,497 competitors, I am riding with two mates, Jon and Andy. We have been training hard, staying off the cakes (mostly) , and investing heavily in lycra. It will be somewhere between very hard to impossible depending on the weather, accidents, mechanical failure and exhaustion.

I am cycling in aid of the Ben Walton Trust. It was set up in 1996 by my uncle after the death of my cousin Ben from oral cancer. He was a great lad with a huge future. He was just 22 when he died.  Too few people know about oral cancer, but it`s on the increase, particularly amongst young people.  The Trust raises awareness about the disease amongst the general public and health professionals, since early diagnosis is crucial if we are to improve survival rates. It also funds research and encourages appropriate palliative care.  You can find out more and donate directly at www.justgiving.com/benwaltontrust.

Please send this page to anyone else who might be interested in donating to this vital cause.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Ben Walton Trust 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.

So please sponsor me now!   And thank you so much for doing so...