I know Derek mainly through his charitable work for World Bicycle Relief, and wanted to assist after his bike was stolen after he had just completed a 600km ride as part of his grueling preparation for the Transcontinental Race.

Derek is currently in remission from cancer (for the second time) - I only mention this, as I didn't actually appreciate this when I agreed to help set up a Crowdfunding page to try and get him to the start line for the frankly terrifying 2017 Transcontinental Race, just a scant month away,

The full story can be read online on (www.derekboocock.com), but suffice it to say that having to ask for help in this is not Derek's in his nature... he earnt his bike the hard way, through graft and (his words) cleaning sh***y toilets and mopping floors. To have it stolen after 100's of hours and 1000's of km training, and with such a short time to go, it is a bitter pill to swallow. He just will not have time to get back in the game without the generosity of others.

**UPDATE 24/06: The response so far has been so fast (and epic), that we hit £500 in 12hrs + Whilst to replace Derek's setup would be over £6,000, he has FINALLY had some luck... Specialized will loan him a demo bike with the option to purchase should he be able to raise sufficient funds.

**UPDATE 25/06: £750 was actually smashed too, in under 24hrs no less, so I've had to stretch the "Stretch Target"!

**UPDATE 26/06: 48hrs in, and over £1,100 raised - moumental!!

**UPDATE 04/07: Last push, as I need to close the campaign in order to get the donations to Derek in time :)

So, it's still a mountain to climb, but it suddenly feels achievable, plus I know that Derek will repay this kindness forward, both in his continuing fundraising activities, and giving back to the community that rose to the challenge.

I'll leave you with a quote stolen from the man himself: "Whatever your illness, whatever your ailment, don't sit back and let life pass you by."

Thank you,
Steve