Story
This year I will be taking on a double challenge - In June/July I will be tackling the arduous route of the Scottish north coast 500 (516 miles of the most scenic yet mountainous and barren stretch of British countryside). My ride will take 7 days averaging 75 miles and over 6000 ft of climb a day!! The ride will take me in a clockwise route starting and finishing in Inverness taking in many picturesque towns, villages and stunning vantage points along the way.
Secondly (for my second year in a row) I will be riding the UK Police Unity Tour 2023 alongside other members of the Norfolk chapter in memory of my Brother-in-law Ian Terry who we sadly lost in the line of duty back in June 2008. The route will take me from the Essex Police HQ - to the Norfolk HQ and then onto Peterborough and Tamworth before the final leg on Sunday July 30th where all chapters ride together in one large group from Tamworth to the National Arboretum to attend the memorial service in memory of all those that have fallen.
Background on my Charity:
In July 2022 we received news that my son Jack, a very physically fit and athletic young lad, had a rare condition related to extremely high iron levels in his body. We spent hours at a time in doctors surgeries and hospitals doing numerous test until we got the diagnosis that Jack was suffering from Haemochromatosis
Following the diagnosis Jack was required to have 1 pint of blood removed every fortnight for a period of 6 months before we had the amazing news just before Christmas that he was now in the safe zone and the blood removal could be paused. Although we have the condition under control he will never be able to fully rid this and will always have to be extremely careful what he eats and drinks and when he exercises in order to keep this under control
Although Haemochromatosis is very rare in children and young adults it is more commonly associated with the older generation and as such a lot of research has been focused in this age group. Jacks condition has taken a lot of the medical professionals by surprise and as such has really helped in researching the condition at a much younger age group.
All the staff and doctors who have supported Jack in this journey have been amazing and I cant thank them enough for their Kindness and empathy. Jack is a fighter and he will get through this I know however some others without the same resilience may not. Therefore, I am raising money to help further research and create additional visibility of the amazing work this charity provides.
Many Thanks for your kind support.