Joel & Martin Cycle Israel to Jordan

Joel Mishcon is raising money for Norwood

Participants: Joel Mishcon, Martin Weiss

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Norwood - Israel Bike Ride · 6 November 2010 ·

Norwood supports and empowers neurodiverse children, their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.

Story

In just under two weeks, my most-excellent friend Martin and I are embarking on an epic adventure, cycling tandem from Masada in Israel to The Red Sea, via The Dead Sea and then on Petra, Kerak and Aqaba in Jordan. Despite crossing the Wadi Rum Desert and battling the heat at the lowest point on earth, this will not just be a tough challenge for me at the front of the bike. Martin, riding pillion has severe Downs Syndrome and is 44 years old, making our adventure an even greater and more admiral challenge for him. 

Though our years of friendship and having cycled together across Brazil in 2005 and Rajasthan, India last year, Martin and I have become a formidable team. He has taught me more about strength of will, determination and smiling through adversity, than pretty much anyone else I have met. The confidence he has gained since we started our adventures is for everyone to see. He has achieved remarkable feats and continues to amaze me with his attitude to the tough days in the saddle and the demands of endurance riding.

This journey to Jordan will be a challenge for both of us yes, but a very worthwhile one, because we are doing it to raise money for the charity that looks after Martin. Norwood is an exceptional charity that builds specially designed villages for people with severe mental and physical disabilities, allowing them to live as normal and happy lives as possible.  Every resident who is able to work, has a job, and between them all they run the village. Whether they're a milkman, a postman, run the cinema or sweep the pavements, Martin and his friends wake up everyday in their own house and go to work, just like you and me. The only difference is that their bosses are also their carers; phenomenal, self-less and soul-full people who dedicate their lives to making other people's lives better. 

Martin and I have been training hard, and we're ready to take on the 300 or so off-road miles, over five epic days. We've got some tough climbs and some tough times ahead, but where there's a Martin there's a way and.... we're ready to smash this.

Any support that you can give us will be hugely appreciated. Between my very impressive Dad (who at 62 is also cycling with us) we are hoping to raise a mighty £10k for Norwood.

Below is a link to a short article that was written about us recently, and you can also check out a short video from last year's ride on this page.

http://www.norwood.org.uk/contact-us/pr-media/2010/2010-challenges-news/Joel-and-Martin-gear-up-for-Norwood

Massive love and thanks

Joel & Martin

Donation summary

Total
£10,370.00
+ £287.69 Gift Aid
Online
£1,770.00
Offline
£8,600.00

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