Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I started road cycling about a year ago with an old friend I met up with by chance after a 30 year gap. Its been a journey of friendship and determination , through periods of joy from the exhilaration of topping 35mph downhill on a pair of rubber bands ; to times of despair and pain having to haul 18 stones of 'me' up inclines that a 4 wheel drive tractor would struggle with ;  just to smile at the top ; big grins ; satisfaction and on to the next one ....  

The cause i'm supporting on this ride was chosen by our employees at MAHLE Powertrain Manufacturing at Wellingborough as part of our CSR program. Its a local charity that reaches out nationally by supporting those effected by Neuroblastoma ; an aggressive childhood cancer that targets young children, of which only a small proportion survive. Research and awareness of this condition is essential if we are to learn how to defeat such an unforgiving condition ; to help families through what will be probably the toughest time of their lives, and to remember a little girl Niamh who was taken so young by such a terrible disease who lends her name to this worthy cause. Niamh's Next Step helps fund that research. 

So, why 171 miles and a total climb of 8084 feet across the tough and at times brutal hills of the Pennines, Yorkshire Dales, the more gentle Yorkshire Wolds sat on a razor blade ?

Well, in comparison to the challenges these children and families who are effected by this disease face, it's an easy thing to do. So too is donating ; whatever you feel able to ; in aid of such a deserving cause ; so from me, and from those who work with me who voted for this cause, thank you for your generous donations, whatever the amount ; it makes a difference.       

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.