UPDATE

Huge thanks to everyone who so kindly donated and offered such wonderful support.

We made it. Not without the odd hiccough, but in the end the miles were covered, the hills climbed and the punctures (six of them) repaired.

The feeling of riding up the Champs Elysees was one of unalloyed euphoria. All of a sudden the legs didn't ache any more. Mission accomplished, thanks in no small part to Jim and Andrew's unwavering support.

Thanks again to everyone. It means the world.

Rx

 

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to look at this page. Try and ignore the grinning idiot on the left - this is all about raising money for the MS Society.

Seven years ago I was reeling. I was 30 and had just been told by a neurologist that I had MS. I was petrified and miserable, convinced that I'd never be able to do anything worthwhile again.

I was wrong (words you seldom hear from me!) Life was not over - not by a long chalk - and today I feel far, far better than I did back in those dark days of early 2004. Now I've decided to take up the challenge of cycling to Paris, to raise some money for the good folks of the MS Society in the process.

We're not doing it as part of an organised event. We're not even leaving from London. Instead myself and two dear friends (take a bow Jim Wynn and Andrew Sanders) will be taking part in the inaugural Godalming to Paris cycle ride. First up: a hilly home leg down to Portsmouth (the Surrey Hills quickly giving way to the South Downs - oh joy), then charging on from Caen to Paris over the following two days.

It will probably be quite hard. I don't know, I've never done it before. But I've been training and probably haven't been this fit since I was 16.

My return to living began with a phone call to the MS Society's helpline. At that time I hadn't told a soul about my balance and mobility problems, afraid that owning up to them would be the beginning of the end. By talking to the MS Society I was able to start looking forward again.

The MS Society was there for me then, and now I want to give something back. I'd be immensely grateful if you would help me to do so.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.