Bob Bagatti. Lands End to John O'Groats
Robert Bagatti is raising money for Cancerbackup
Story
Thank you for taking the time to visit my charity webpage.
From the 14th June 2008, I, with my mate Richard, will be cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats. We will be cycling approx 1040 miles in two weeks, assuming we don't get lost and have to do a detour. We will be cycling through three countries, dozens of counties and hundreds of towns and villages. We will be crossing moorlands, the pennines, the dales and the highlands. What an adventure.
The reason I have chosen Cancerbackup is for very personal reasons. Five years ago when my mum contacted Cancer of the womb, I was devistated. I knew very little about the disease, Its effects, its treatment, Its survival rate. Who do you talk to on occassions like this? On the advice of my local surgery, I contacted Cancerbackup. I spoke to a lovely lady on the phone. She was patient, sympathetic, understanding and she listened. She took my name and address so that she could send me some booklets and literature. When I asked how much I owed for the books, I was told that there was no charge whatsoever. I was overwhelmed by the empathy shown to me. I don't mind admitting, that not for the first time, I had a good cry. I'm embarrassed to say that I neglected to take her name.
I vowed that if I ever did a charity event again, I would do it for Cancerbackup. I got my chance the following summer to repay some of the debt with the "Capital to Coast" cycle ride. Unfortunately on the day before the ride, my mum had a massive heart attack and died. Needless to say I didn't do the ride that day, however with the support of two friends, Richard and Rachel, who joined me on a cold October morning, I finally completed my charity ride.
I'm proud to say that on that occasion, I raised over £650. I would like to think that with your help, we can raise over £1000. So please sponsor me and help a caring organisation. Please note that all the sponsorship raised will go direct to Cancerbackup and will NOT be used to finance the ride or personal expenses.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancerbackup will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Many many thanks for your support.
Bob
Update 6th May 2008
5 weeks and 4 days to go to "LE" day.
Training is tough but going well. We have been out in all sorts of weather; sun, rain, hail, even a sheet lightning storm, when I nearly soiled my "Specialized" gel pants. We have just completed our toughest training session to date, a three day, 229 mile cycle ride down to the Isle of Wight. On Saturday we rode down to Portsmouth and got the ferry across to the island; on Sunday we completed the island "Randonee" of 62 miles (100k); and on Bank Holiday Monday we rode home again
I can honestly say that the Mondays ride was my toughest ride to date.
As to date, my total sum of donations and pledges is just over £1500. When I originally set up this web page, I set my target at £1000. Thanks to you, we have blown that away. I have been overwhelmed by friends, family and colleagues generosity in sponsoring me and encouraging words and I wish to thank you all profusely.
I have taken the liberty of raising my personal target to £3000 because I believe it is an attainable figure and I would dearly love to raise such an amount for Cancerbackup. So please keep the money flooding in. This is not for me or even what I am doing, but for a caring charity that gives help and support to cancer sufferers and their families and friends.
Many thanks,
A very aching Bob.
Update 29-06-08
I'm pleased and proud to say, that yesterday we completed our cycle ride. We cycled a total of 1066 miles and cycled up more hills than I've had hot dinners. We've had cycle mishaps and repairs along the way, but our trusty "steeds" held out and got us over the finishing line. We've had aching thighs and saddle sores, but like the Mastercard advert, gettin to John O'Groats, PRICELESS.
Thank you all for sponsoring me and your kind comments and support.
Bob.