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Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain and it is a thief, it robs people of their loved ones and the lives they once had and we wanted to take on this cycle challenge to raise awareness and money to help those affected by this devastating condition. 

Over 4 days from the 18th May, Jon Ainley (Support Coordinator for The Encephalitis Society) intends to cycle 270 miles from Malton, North Yorkshire (The Society's Headquarters), to Abergavenny in South Wales where the Encephalitis Adult Retreat is being held. 

He was inspired to take on this challenge as a tribute to dear friend, Harry Swindlehurst who was affected by Encephalitis over 10 years ago and who sadly passed away last year. The Society wants to raise awareness of this devastating condition and raise money to ensure the support service which Jon 'the voice of the helpline' heads up can continue into the future ensuring we can help everyone who needs us. 

It had been originally intended that Darren Egdell, a Member of The Society, would join Jon on the #Cycle4Harry challenge, but sadly Darren has had to withdraw due to unforeseen circumstances. Darren is devastated that he cannot join Jon on #Cycle4Harry but they both intend to team up again in the future for another adventure!

The 270 mile journey has Harry in mind - starting with the HQ of the Society, visiting his hometown of Birkenhead and then finishing at The Encephalitis Society's biannual Retreat in the Brecon Beacon National Park. Harry loved The Retreats at Buckland Hall and campaigned as only he could to make it a four-day event, which it now is!

Harry also loved a challenge and anything that raised the attention of the cruel condition that is Encephalitis and The Society, so what better way to celebrate Harry?

This may not seem to be the biggest challenge - but for Jon it certainly will be. He has just started training and to get to the 70 mile a day fitness levels that he needs promises to be a tall order, given that he only has EIGHT weeks to prepare for it.

Jon wants to raise £5,000 - the helpline of The Society costs £20 an hour to run and the support service as a whole is around £40 - if 250 people could spare £40 we would meet our target but anything you can give is truly appreciated and will go to towards a cause that is very close to his heart. 

We will keep you updated on our progress on here and through The Society's Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as our website - www.encephalitis.info. Jon needs as much support as he can get - so please spread the word!

All donations would be greatly appreciated and help The Society continue to support people both directly and indirectly affected by encephalitis. Every penny helps!

Thank you and best wishes,

Jon and The Encephalitis Society

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