First of all, thank you for visiting my Just Giving page and taking the time to read the following reasons, why I am planning to undertake (again!) the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 on 10th August.

Last January, Alan Hall who was close colleague and friend, died suddenly from a massive stroke.  Alan had been a long serving employee at David Lloyd Brooklands, Weybridge.  He was our Swim Co-Ordinator and a swimming instructor and it was through his skill, dedication and dry sense of humour, that many, many children (and some adults), took to the water and learnt to swim.  Alan began teaching my daughter from the age of 5 years old - she is now 14 and a darn good swimmer!.

Alan was a truly inspirational and much loved figure.  He won the David Lloyd Employee of the Year award some years ago, which is no mean feat, given the size of the David Lloyd chain.  On hearing of Alan's death, many of the children he taught, wrote messages or drew pictures for him, which were given to his family.  He was cheeky with the children and they loved him for it.

Alan was also a husband and father to two wonderful daughters, one of which, Corrine, showed a real talent for competitive cycling at an early age.  It was with Alan's endless support as driver (to countless competitions around the country), bike mechanic (he prepped Corrine's bikes), mentor, friend and dad, that Corrine has managed to achieve great things.  Just before Alan's death, Corrine qualified as pilot and team mate for the visually impaired cyclist Lora Turnham, to compete for GB in the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.  Alan was bursting with pride when he told us all in the club.  Corinne and Lora just recently (18th May 2014) won the Tandem Pair Gold medal for TT, at the UCI Para-Cycling World Cup in Italy and continue to go from strength to strength. 

For all these reasons,  I would like to help raise money for the Stroke Association, which was the nominated charity to which Alan's family asked for donations after his death.  Also, to cycle 100 miles on a route which passes right by the door of Alan's place of work where he is still very much missed, is a fitting tribute to Alan and his remarkable daughter who will be cycling for Team GB and her dad in 2016.

Please give a donation, however small, to this very worthwhile charity in memory of Alan.

Thankyou.