Now that the dust has settled and things are starting to return to normality, I just wanted to say what a difference it made knowing that so many people had gone out of their way to sponsor me.  It looks like I might just make it to £3,000 which is just fantastic, I never expected to get that much!

As I write this, it's probably the first day in Huddersfield for months where the sky is clear, the sun is shining, it's above freezing and it isn't blowing a gale.  However, I'm stuck on the sofa waiting for my knees to repair themselves.  A sports massage, shiatsu, countless bags of ice, frozen peas, packs and packs of ibuprofen and pain relieving gel later, things are definitely on the mend, thankfully. 

There were times when I thought carrying on was a pretty daft thing to do, but there really wasn't any chance that I'd not complete the challenge.  I couldn't have brought myself to disappoint everyone that had gone out of their way to support me, either through sponsorship or out on the road in the middle of nowhere (providing cake, etc!).

All the money raised is going to a fantastic cause.  The Cystic Fibrosis Trust aims to improve the lives of people that suffer with the condition, through research to find a cure and better treatments, but also through day to day advice on support available.  In reality, I just rode my bike, it's the contributions from all my sponsors that will really make a difference - thanks again!

Will, 12th April

 

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Day 10: Tain to John O'Groats, 102 miles - done!!! Thanks again to everyone that's sponsored me! No cycling tomorrow!

Day 9 done: 110 miles from Ballachullish to Tain. Longest day, hardest climb and very wet for the last 15 miles. Nearly there...

Day 8: Arran to Ballachullish, 94 miles in great weather (bit cold in the shade). some reasonable views today

Just 3 more days to go, its a painful experience but for a worthwhile cause. Weather has been in our favour, may escape rain altogether

I've upped my target again, thanks for all the sponsorship so far!

Back in Altrincham again, end of day 4. Flatter today but a fair bit of snow around. Kendal tomorrow!

Arrived in Ludlow after another 95 miles. Another dry and cold day, beats rain anyday though!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter, @lejog4cf. No need to sign up, just go to www.twitter.com

Day 2 done: 104 miles, hard day but easier to come. Early night, losing an hours sleep not ideal.

Thanks to everyone that's sponsored me so far, I've raised over 2 grand so far!

So it begins... Short train ride to Mcr, followed by long drive to Cornwall, then very, very long bike ride

Not long to go now, fingers crossed there won't be any snow left next Friday...

This coming Easter I'm planning to undertake my toughest cycling challenge to date: riding from Land's End to John O'Groats in ten days.  

 

I've completed a number of tough cycling challenges over the years but I thought it was time to go for a really big one!  This time, I'll be aiming to complete 10 x 100 mile rides, back to back.  I'm confident I've got the legs for this, it's just everything else that worries me...!

 

As someone who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, it's hard to say how my body will react to a challenge this tough; my lungs and digestive system will be put under stress every day; cold and wet weather could impact on my immune system and leave me susceptible to infections.  Just eating enough calories will be tough (people with CF need a higher calorie diet),  it's likely I'll need up to 6000 calories per day.

 

The fact that I can even consider taking on a challenge like this is testament to the great work of the CF Trust.  I count myself as being extremely lucky, I'm well enough to take part in events like this and raise money to help those people that have to struggle every day with CF.

 

Cystic Fibrosis is the UK's most common life-threatening inherited disease; it affects over 8,000 people in the UK (including my brother Toby and myself). Cystic Fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, making it hard to breathe and digest food.

 

Donating through Justgiving is really quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: the Cystic Fibrosis Trust gets your money straight away and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

 

***Following @LEJOG4CF on Twitter for updates

 

This link will take you to Steve Kinsley's fundraising page - Steve is another member of the group taking part in this challenge so please feel free to sponsor him too!:

 

http://www.justgiving.com/LEJOGin10days