WE ARE NOW BACK! We have cycled well over 400km with many vertical kilometres included - it felt as though many more were up than down! Other members of our cycling team said it was the toughest bike ride they have ever done: and that includes people who have done some pretty demanding trips. Our legs are now made of steel, and I am planning to start commuting to London from Oxon by bike!! (Just kidding...)

Our last big ride was the long descent into Little Petra, after a very steep 3km climb and then a gradual climb of over 25km. The terrain was majestic, but we had a head wind most of the way. Several people's brakes wore out as we dropped down into the Petra valley.

The sense of elation on arrival at our destination was extraordinary. Most people - including Pippa and me - had achieved things we would not have thought possible. The elation was slightly dented by the realisation that we had put on weight, as a result of all those power bars!!!!

We will post our photos as soon as we master the technology. Jordan was really beautiful but very barren. You could go for miles with out seeing any vegetation at all. The accommodation was pretty dodgy and the lack of beer unwelocme, but the Jordanians were very friendly. Petra is justifiably one of the Wonders of The World: quite staggering.

We are so grateful to everyone for their extraordinary support, both on- and off-line. Please don't feel it is too late to contribute!  

Fabian and Pippa

Between us we’re aiming to raise £27,000 which could pay for the cost of one and a half Marie Curie nurses for one year. Research commissioned by the charity shows that almost 70% of people would chose to die at home; sadly only 25% of people achieve this. Marie Curie nurses visit terminally ill patients home, usually at night, to provide care and support, which allows patient’s families and carers to rest knowing that their loved one is being cared for. Our nurses always go the extra mile to allow patients to enjoy their final weeks as much as possible.

Please help us to achieve our target by sponsoring us below or by sending a cheque made out to Marie Curie Cancer Care UK. Just £180 pays for one nursing shift and could help a patient to fulfil their wish of dying at home, surrounded by their family and friends.

Thank you so much for your support.

Fabian and Pippa