So here we are, three (committed) members of Liverpool Hope Hockey team raising money for ‘Marie Curie’. Spurred on by ‘the original’ Leo’s successful 2010 JOGLE outing, Chris and Leo (mk.II) decided they didn’t want to miss out on all the fun (and philanthropy). With a striking similar lack of preparation, we will set out on this epic journey on 4th June. Epic because not only is traversing a country ‘as the bird flies’ hard enough but, like Leo’s previous outing, we will be taking an indirect route with a few mountains thrown in for good measure. By which we mean the three peaks (the biggest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales) on the way down as three 'rest' days when we get tired of cycling.

With a total cycle of over 1000 miles and climb of nearly 20 000 feet up/down said mountains, our outing should be pretty demanding. We're not doing it as a speed thing, just taking in the sites, having fun and doing it for the experience. However, this will definitely be a challenge for us, camping (probably in random fields) for the most of it, when we're not staying at friends/family, very limited gear and definitely limited showers, apologies in advance if you are graced with our presence. And of course a bucket load of cycling, blisters, sores, grazes, cuts, aches, pains, despair, a prolonged feeling of regret and several tubs of Vaseline.

With approximately seven eighths of a mile’s cycling training under our belts, without a definitive plan and without the majority of our kit bought/prepared, we’re waiting in anticipation to begin our southward journey at Dunnet Head, the most northern point in mainland UK. But hey, at least we’ve sorted the charity bit out, right?

The reason for our choice of charity comes after the unfortunate passing of Leo’s mother to breast cancer. Leo raised £500 for ‘Breast Cancer Campaign’ on his last trip, which was planned for just a few days after the one-year anniversary of his mother’s passing. Our decision to raise money for ‘Marie Curie’ is grounded by the fact that we have all had exposure to this disease. This time, we hope to double Leo’s hard-earned £500.

We hope you can spare some money, even if it's just a pound, for our charity (you can do it anonymously if you’re a cheapskate or post your donation on Facebook if you want everyone to know how generous you are). And for added motivation we promise to match all donations if we fail to complete the challenge in making it to Lands End *terms and conditions apply. 

 

Thanks for reading and for your donations,

Leo ‘Smüdge’ Smith-Rudge, Leo ‘L2’ Saffin, Chris ‘Speedy’ Soanes

 

P.S. Follow us on twitter @FedsJOGLE2012  or  on facebook www.facebook.com/FedsJOGLE2012  to see where you’re money went (the Bahamas Beach Fund)