Raised: 75%
Target: £1,476.00
Raised so far: £1,100.28
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My story

 

Hi everyone,

 

I am back home, fit and well, having ridden 1398 miles (home to home) across England, France, Switzerland and Italy. WOW what an experience and personal achievement!! 

Below is a brief summary of the highs and lows of our cycling adventure.

 

As planned David and I left Old Windsor on the 21st June, with a fond ‘arrivederci’ from our families and friends.  The 110 miles to Dover, through London and on the A2, was not hugely interesting. Only highlight of the day was meeting Ed, a student who sponsored us £10.  Hopefully it was not his last beer tokens. 

The following day, across the channel and into France, we found the roads and route to be flat and reasonably easy to ride, but not at all interesting.  Potato fields surrounded us for miles and miles.  Apart from being pushed off the road by a lorry (just a little scrape on left knee) there were no other problems.  It took 6 days to cross France and as food and wine was acceptable we did some serious eating and drinking.

On day 8 we crossed into Switzerland, where roads got a little hillier.  The amazing views made up for the extra effort required though.  On the 29th June at 12.30pm we reached the St Bernard Pass Peak, 2473 metres above sea level.  We celebrated with a nice lunch and just one drink. 

I was very happy once we got into Italy.  I could understand the language and knew for certain we were going to get good food and wine. We cycled from Aosta through Alexandria, to Genova and then down the coast, passing some beautiful beaches and coastlines.  I was knocked off the road by a lorry for a second time (only cuts and bruises but the pannier rack on my bike had to be replaced.)  By the time we got to Italy, we were two days ahead of ourselves and we slowed down from 80-90 miles to 60–70 miles a day.  This meant we could spend the afternoon on the beach.  We also wanted to give those coming by plane enough time to arrive on the 11th to see us in.

Although we carried tents, pots and pans we only cooked once and camped 4 times, once when we had to in France and 3 times in Italy out of choice, because the weather was so nice.  We found that 3 and 4* hotels were more comfortable than one man tents. 

On the 11th July we had finally made it. Again to the familiar cheer from our family and friends and with flags waving, we arrived at my house in ‘San Salvatore’.  A party that night, with further family members to celebrate - was for me, the perfect ending to an amazing adventure.

Whilst this trip has been a long awaited ambition of mine, I cannot forget the other reason I put foot to pedal. Thank you very much, to those of you who visited this page and supported my adventure in aid of ADDCT. I have been overwhelmed by the sponsors I have received and I am so pleased to have been able to raise money in aid of Alexander’s trust.  However, despite the huge generosity already given, as you can see, I have not yet reached my target, so for those of you who have not sponsored me, but would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, please, please do so now. I have achieved my lifetime goal and would now love to know I reached my target for Alexander. 

Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust has been set up by John & Fiona Devine in memory of their son Alexander who died at the age of 8 having been diagnosed at the age of 4 with a rare brain tumour. The long term aim of the trust is to build and fund ‘Alexander House’ a children’s Hospice in the Berkshire Area. Alexander House will be a home from home environment providing respite and quality time for the whole family.  The house will also offer other much needed services for children and their families.  For further information ADCCT visit www.adcct.co.uk 

Donating through just giving is quick, easy and secure.  It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me:  The Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer trust gets your money fast and if you’re a UK taxpayer Justgiving makes sure 25% in gift aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.  

 

Thank you for your support and donations. 

Umberto.

 

Donation by Peter & Freda Warner 02/10/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done - a wonderful achievement. Best wishes Colin and Pamela Donation by Colin Wood 24/09/09  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Moore Moore, Andrew & Sheila £100 Donation by Umberto Giannotta 21/09/09  

£100.00

Sergio and Janice £40 Donation by Umberto Giannotta 09/09/09  

£60.00

Stuart Jefferies £20 Donation by Umberto Giannotta 03/09/09  

£20.00

Well done, thanks for the update..... NOW GET BACK TO WORK !!!! Donation by Derek Whitaker 27/08/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Sue & Keith Patterson £30. Donation by Umberto Giannotta 21/08/09  

£30.00

Val Coomber £20 Rerek Gaude£15 English gentleman met on route in Italy lost his details ( 20euros) £18 Donation by Umberto Giannotta 17/08/09  

£53.00

Hi Umberto, I hope everthing went well Donation by Tommy 16/08/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Well done Great achievement maybe you are upto the Brecons now Donation by Keith Parry 24/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Well done Dad/Nonno, what an achievement!! We were so pleased to see you arrive fit and well. Love you lots S, J & L xx Donation by Sarah, Jeff and Luca 16/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

With best wishes for your trip from Fiona Gayner (nee Bleach) Donation by Fiona Gayner 13/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck, only a few more miles than our usual ride out on a Sunday !! Donation by Rachel Phillips (Evo Tri Club) 03/07/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Watch out for "deviation" What a mistaka to maka. Donation by Dave Middleton 23/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck on your trip Donation by Lorraine Holmes 20/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Peter & Freda Warner 20/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Wishing you lots of luck!! Donation by Paula, Abbie and Holly 17/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

I wish I could share this adventure but fate intervened, I just know you will do it, so follow the map not your nose! Geoff Donation by Geoff & Fran Milton 14/06/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Enjoy the ride! Donation by Kevin & Lesley-Anne 12/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck and a great charity to support. Donation by Erica and family 12/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck and take care Donation by Aldo and Chris 12/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Amanda Cockayne 11/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

What a great cause. Good luck. Donation by Yvonne 11/06/09  

£5.00

Only to Italy! I thought that you could call in to see me in Shanghai on the way! Donation by Pete, Gill, Stephanie, Charlotte 11/06/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Remember to pad that saddle !!!!! Donation by Jeff, Lorna &Co 09/06/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck on your trip back home and hope you enjoy a glass of fine italian wine at the finish! Donation by Noel Robinson 08/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

I'm sure you don't need luck , just a nice comfortable saddle and plenty of vino ! ! Donation by Bradley Dalchow & Chloe 06/06/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

It's a shame you won't get to see our garden at its best but never mind. Good luck and take good care. Donation by Marian & Douglas 06/06/09  

£20.00

Best of luck Umberto. Enjoy the vino ! Donation by Sandra Dalchow 06/06/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Thanks for all your help mate take care Donation by Tom Stewart 02/06/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £1,100.28
  Offline donations: £0.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £228.40

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