Hello people

2006, the perfect year for a personal challenge I thought - not.   Well, things (like life) have a habit of taking their own course and here I am committed to cycling from Paris to London in late July to raise money for Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.   It is a mere 285 miles it seems, and only 90 miles on the first day, no problem.

It is now late June and my 'training' has been progressing, my knees are complaining and my new saddle is beginning to feel as hard as the old one.  I have discovered some wonderful, if hilly, countryside, beautiful and quiet country lanes and know that getting my bike out again was the right thing.

Great Ormond Street has become important to me over the last few years.  Andrew's  (he's my partner for those that don't know him) neice Alison has 2 great, if crazy, children Jake and Sophie.  Sophie has had epilepsy since birth and over the years GOSCH have provided fantastic care and support to her and mum Alison, including when Sophie had major brain surgery in 2004.   Sophie is now fit and well and recently stopped taking the heavy medication she has been on since the surgery.  The hospital is a amazing resource in general and during my fundraising I have heard many many other examlples of children benefitting from their care.

So, I'm doing the cycling, and you hopefully you are going to help me by digging  in pockets, for a few quid.  It's really easy, you just give up a few pints - and give the money, or put your loose change in a jam jar for a week - and give the money, or cycle yourself and save the petrol/bus fare - and give the money.   Or you can keep it really simple and just give the money!

Donating through this site is dead easy, totally secure and if you do, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity will gain an extra 28% in tax (if you are a tax payer) which will be added to your donation.

Thank you very much

Vive le cyclisme!!

Val xx