John Mawhood
Sponsor John
Fundraising for Leukaemia UK
Story
I can now say I finished - although the after affects of a virus the week before the Ride forced me, under the doctor's orders, to take two days out. To see photos and video of this year's event click here.
Thankfully, by the 7th day, my lungs were back on form for longest day's ride - 160 km, including climbing the highest road pass in Europe, Cime de La Bonnette (2715 m./8907 ft.) another, smaller one, and the Fireflies "own" mountain, Torini.
Last year, like hundreds of others, I had a bone marrow transplant to treat leukaemia. Two years ago I had leukaemia that had become resistant to the drugs I was taking. A year ago I could not walk properly due to a rare complication after the transplant. Today, thanks to the skill of the doctors and nurses and the registered volunteer donor from 11 Million or so worldwide who donated some bone marrow cells, I am a survivor.
Shortly after my operation, I learned about the Fireflies Ride, when some 75 people cycle 1,000 km each year across the Alps to raise money for the charity Leuka. I knew at once I wanted to join the Fireflies and help raise money, to recognise the incredible work supported by Leuka that gave me the chance of a cure and a new life. Unfortunately it was February this year before I was fit enough to start training! This is the 10th year of the Ride and I was the first person who has had a bone marrow transplant to attempt the challenge.
The doctors refer to transplant patients as a "chimera" - a mixture of two people, so you're supporting a Chimera. To support my effort you can follow my blog at http://chimerafirefly.wordpress.com, become a fan of the Facebook Chimera-Fireflies group page and sponsor me here!
Your sponsorship will help to support life-saving work. Bone marrow and stem cell transplants cure more and more people, young and old, every year. Please remember to Gift Aid if you can!
Now the message from JustGiving: 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.
Thankfully, by the 7th day, my lungs were back on form for longest day's ride - 160 km, including climbing the highest road pass in Europe, Cime de La Bonnette (2715 m./8907 ft.) another, smaller one, and the Fireflies "own" mountain, Torini.
Last year, like hundreds of others, I had a bone marrow transplant to treat leukaemia. Two years ago I had leukaemia that had become resistant to the drugs I was taking. A year ago I could not walk properly due to a rare complication after the transplant. Today, thanks to the skill of the doctors and nurses and the registered volunteer donor from 11 Million or so worldwide who donated some bone marrow cells, I am a survivor.
Shortly after my operation, I learned about the Fireflies Ride, when some 75 people cycle 1,000 km each year across the Alps to raise money for the charity Leuka. I knew at once I wanted to join the Fireflies and help raise money, to recognise the incredible work supported by Leuka that gave me the chance of a cure and a new life. Unfortunately it was February this year before I was fit enough to start training! This is the 10th year of the Ride and I was the first person who has had a bone marrow transplant to attempt the challenge.
The doctors refer to transplant patients as a "chimera" - a mixture of two people, so you're supporting a Chimera. To support my effort you can follow my blog at http://chimerafirefly.wordpress.com, become a fan of the Facebook Chimera-Fireflies group page and sponsor me here!
Your sponsorship will help to support life-saving work. Bone marrow and stem cell transplants cure more and more people, young and old, every year. Please remember to Gift Aid if you can!
Thank you for your support.
John
Now the message from JustGiving: 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.