12th May:
Just to let you all know we've done it!  We're back, with a very silly tan (one side only!) and you can read all about it on our  blog .

Many thanks for all your sponsorship and support - if you haven't yet had a chance to sponsor us, it's not too late!

Thanks,
Melanie and Nic xx
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It is Melanie's 40th birthday (I know that's hard to believe!) this year and to celebrate we are going to cycle from one side of England to the other, otherwise known as doing the  "Coast to Coast" ride.  We shall be starting in Whitehaven (near Carlisle)  and finishing, nearly 140 miles later, in Sunderland (just south of Newcastle).  We plan to do this over three days, staying in B&Bs along the way.  Our start date is Wed 7th May.  We hope to update our blog with our progress as we go along, technology permitting!

This C2C route is the post popular and most widely known long distance cycle route in the UK - it is to cycling what the Pennine Way is to walking.  It runs across the northern edge of the Lake District, across the Eden Valley and across the beautifully bleak Northern Pennines, before dropping down to the post-industrial landscape of the North-East.

We have chosen to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Trust to combine our interest in Sailing, and belief in the therapy of sailing, with raising money for those suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses.

We have no idea how much or how little money we shall raise, but every penny counts and we're sure that the Ellen MacArthur Trust will be grateful for whatever we manage to raise.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: The Ellen MacArthur Trust 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.  The sponsor money goes direct to the charity, not via us!

So, if you are able to, please dig deep and sponsor us!

Many thanks for your support.

Love, Melanie and Nic xx