Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My mum Annette (Netty) passed away on 15/01/2017 at the Countess Mountbatten Hospice in Southampton from Mesophelioma a type of cancer that is commonly caused through contact with asbestos which affects the linings of the lungs.

At the start of August Toby, Ben and I are planning to raise money for HASAG (Hampshire Asbestos Support Awareness Group) and will begin to ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. The world's longest mapped, off-pavement biking route, it's also one of the most challenging bicycle trails around: 2,774 miles along the wildest territory in North America. From the jaw-dropping peaks of British Columbia and Montana, to the wide-open spaces and rocky crags of Wyoming and Colorado, to the Have-I-landed-on-Mars? deserts of New Mexico.This route is defined by the word "remote." Its remoteness equates with spectacular terrain and scenery. The entire route is basically dirt-road and mountain-pass riding every day. In total, it has over 200,000 feet of elevation gain. Logistical issues complicate riding the GDMBR. Reliable food and water sources on some portions of the route are over 100 miles (160 km) apart. As much of the route is not signposted, good navigation skills are also necessary. Riders should be self-sufficient and carry camping equipment. Unpredictable mountain and desert weather can bring electrical storms, snow, rain, high winds, and temperature extremes at any time of year. It is also not uncommon to encounter large mammals including grizzly and black bears and occasionally cougars!!!

We are hoping to complete the ride in about 70 days and will update when we can as to how we are getting along........

                                        NETTY AND HASAG

Netty truly was an inspiration to me and everyone in her life. She was a nurse all her working life either in genral nursing or in mental health. She loved helping others. That's why I think she wanted money raised to go to HASAG as they are a charity that helps people and families through care and support. Netty truly loved adventure and when I told her that I wanted to ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) to raise money for HASAG she was thrilled that I would be raising money for a charity she cared about. She truly was the best Mother you could wish to have in your life and I am thrilled to be riding in her memory and for HASAG. HASAG are a charity commited to relieving the needs of people with asbestos related diseases, their carers and families including the provision of information, advice and support. To advance the education of the public in all aspects of asbestos related diseases, including the causes, diagnosis, treatment & needs of those with such a disease.

I think I can best express who mum was through the eulogie I read out at her funeral......

What's for dinner mum?
That's one of my earliest memories I have of saying anything to Mar and she would always reply with the same answer "If your lucky shit with sugar on"
She always had a touch of the potty mouth and a wonderful sense of humour.

Just before Christmas I was with Mar at Euro Dysney. Mar being Mar decides to go on Space Mountain a really fast crazy rollercoaster. Could I talk sense into her. It's obvious what the answer was. That was Mar she lived for thrills and adventure right to the end she wanted to show her grandchildren to be fearless. Even at the hospice she liked to be wheeled around in the chair with her arms out like she was flying or stood at the front of Titanic I could see the joy and the thrill in her eyes. Mar was a rare kind of flower smoewhere between a gentle English rose and a wild Scottish thistle. She had an unfaltering zest for life, people, animals, plants and most importantly to her recycling. Mar absolutely adored Christmas she loved birthdays and any excuse for a party she loved music and dancing. I think Mar was always the most happy when she was dancing it was like her spirit was free to flicker like a naked flame. I know I can say our lives have been made so magical by Mars perpetual love no amount of money can buy what she gave to us throughout her life. She loved and lived her life making others happy giving them smiles, memories, magical moments locked in time....

If you judge a life on time itself then you could say Mars was cruely short lived but if instead we judge it on things you achieve and the hearts you touched and your attitude to every moment in every day then Mar lived hers to the full. After a few sums I worked out I would have to live to about 217 to even come close to Mars achievements.