Hello!

Thanks for visiting my JustGiving page!!

On 19-22 September I cycled 300 miles from London to Paris to help raise money for an amazing charity braintrust. This is a charity very close to my heart as my beautiful mother, Elaine, passed away peacefully at home shortly after I returned from Paris on September 28th 2012. I dedicate my challenge to her, and will always be grateful she lived to know I completed it.

It has been a very traumatic rollercoaster of a journey and a real testing for my family. My Mother did not go down without a fight, she fought for every last breathe in the final stages of her illness.

I have witnessed the effects of this horrific disease first hand and I aim to raise as much money as possible for many reasons:
-To help brainstrust with their research for new treatments
-To help families financially for the best possible treatments
-To help brainstrust continue supporting brain tumor sufferers and families


So in order to support this, I decided to embark on a what was the hardest physical challenge I have ever done… Cycle 300 miles from Bexley, London to the Paris over 4 days.

As you can see in my photo- the ending point was the Eiffel Tower...and I got there!!

During the trip there were many times when I doubted myself, especailly on Day 1 and 2, where I climbed some seriously high hills. I never knew Kent was so hilly but undoubtedly the most challening "hill" (mountain) being "Windmill Hill" close to Calais on Day 2, which was 2,500M above sea level. You can see a picture of how up I got in my gallery!

The trip didn't go without any niggling injuries and problems which were to be expected as I am very injury prone!! Starting with some pain in the back during the first two days, then my knees swelled up on Dat 3 and 4- and by Day 4 every pedal was painful but I was determined to complete the challenge, the sponsors and support from you all kept me going!

As well as fundraising for a great charity, I decided to do this challenge to give myself a focus, since my knee stopped me competing in any sport 4 years ago following numerous operations, this challenge has driven me to get in reasonable shape and I now hope to cycle every once in a while...but it is too early to consider The John O'Groats to Lands End cycle which lots of other challengers were talking about...!

So that’s my story- I am very proud to have achieved what I have and at the time of writing I have just reached the £3000 mark.

I dedicate this to my amazing Mum, Elaine, who we will always remember as a caring, loving, larger than life character. An amazing Mother, Wife, Daughter and Sister.

If you haven't sponsor me, please try to dig deep and continue supporting this amazing cause.

 

Many thanks

Alex, Al, Al Pal, Turts
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Please dig deep and donate now.