I don't really have a story and I count myself as very lucky to have no direct experience of teenage cancer. However, other family members, friends and colleagues have faced cancer, so this is for them. I choose teenage cancer, I guess as a reflection of my three boys either in or approaching their teenage years and many of our friends are in a similar situation. Plus of course my involvement with Menston Junior Football Club and the 30 plus 16 and 17 year old lads that are a real credit to the club, their parents and most importantly to themselves.

This bike ride (can I really call it that?) will be a massive challenge for me, just a few weeks after turning 50! I used to cycle everyday until I was about 18 years old and then did not really turn a pedal until I was 47. I then had a year of mountain biking but not very far and not regularly. I then switched allegiance to road biking and things got a little more serious, although compared to many that I know, my mileage to date has been nominal. Oh and I don't do hills!

Looks like this is going to change! I have set myself a 5000km target for my 50th year and this challenge will hopefully be the pinnacle of the year. There will be some blood, sweat and tears on the way to train and then ride this 150mile epic from Seascale on the west coast, to Whitby on the east. The climbing is ridiculous - 4500m of ascent over some of the steepest hills in the UK.

Further details may be found here:-

http://www.opencycling.com/coast-to-coast-in-a-day/

If you could contribute a small something, no matter how little, that would be fantastic and thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every penny really does count. I just want to assure you that all of the money raised goes direct to the charity,  I have paid for all the other costs associated with the event and your donation does not go to fund these.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Paul

xxx