On Xmas night 2017 my friend’s son, Adam Clarke, fell down the stairs and catastrophically fractured his cervical vertebrae. 
He was transferred to the North East spinal injuries centre for immobilisation, investigation and emergency treatment prior to a definitive prognosis.  
A meeting with the Consultant, staff and family was scheduled for a six week period following the accident. Adam and his parents’ optimism was dashed when the dreaded verdict on future progress was delivered - there would be none !
However with determination, drive and good humour Adam has confounded the experts and is now living independently, working part-time and is still improving. 
The two organisations that have provided immeasurable support for his rehabilitation have been the N.H.S and the Matt Hampson Trust. 
The Matt Hampson trust is a charitable foundation instituted by Matt following a scrummaging accident to provide support and help for anybody sustaining a spinal injury.
With a view to supporting the efforts of the Matt Hampson trust, some of us as Adam’s dad friends who are all retirees have decided to undertake a fundraising challenge to raise funds to support the Trust. 
We have decided to ride the South Downs Way  110 miles off road terrain in a single day climbing approximately 12,000 feet. 
This is an entirely amateur enterprise and you support would be greatly appreciated 
Thanking you
Gerry, Steve, Graham, Andy, Damian