Astronomer Simon was a close childhood friend. Last year he died very suddenly at the age of 48 from a heart attack. His widow and two young children (both under 12) miss him terribly, every day. The folks at WAY (Widowed and Young) have been supporting the family through this very difficult time. But, difficult doesn't even begin to describe the reality. It is one thing dealing with the pain and loss of losing a loved one so young, it is another trying to raise two children while also battling breast cancer...

While our fundraiser is intended to honour Simon's memory, its primary aim is to raise money for a very worthy cause who continue to support his grieving family. Anything you can give will be gratefully received.

The route was subject of discussion for a long time. We considered passing by Milton Keynes, Southampton FC and UCL London - all places where Simon had lived at sometime. However, we finally settled on Falmouth when his widow told us of plans to scatter his ashes on his favourite beach - Pendower. It would be from there back to our home town  of Frome; the finish line: Simon's childhood home.

When we met in Frome on 13 April for the departure our fundraising had hit 3000€. We drove down to our start point in Truro and then set out for King Harry's Ferry across the Fal. It was a surprisingly tough few first miles - with a serious climb out of Truro on a dual carriage-way and a steep ascent off of the Ferry. 14 km and 344m climb later we were at a B&B not far from the beach.

Just before we met Simon's family on the following morning we hit our target of 4000€ for WAY. So we had some happy news to share when  the Clarks met us in the fog at the beach. It was the first time any of us had met so we had plenty to talk about. Then, back in the saddle, we  headed inland towards Bodmin. The only breakdown occurred just before lunch when my chain snapped, but it was easily repaired. Our route then took us along the Camel trail and up onto Bodmin moor where a small herd of ponies greeted us. By the time we reached our accommodation we had cycled 93 km and climbed 1441 metres (far more than the plan).

After an evening of Cornish hospitality we set out on Good Friday for a relatively easy day's ride. We descended from the moor onto the Tarka trail which took us into Barnstaple for lunch. Then we had a long climb due east to get to Lynton, where we arrived having cycled 91 km and climbed 1069m. We were starting to feel quite sore!

The final day, the big one, began early with a diabolical climb out of Lynton onto Exmoor to the highest point on our route at 450m above sea level. Progress was slow initially, and we started to worry about whether we could make Frome by sun down. However, the weather was glorious and we started to make good progress after lunch. We were at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge by tea time, so we stopped for tea before pushing for home up the gorge. We arrived, exhausted, elated, and somewhat emotional, outside Simon's childhood home shortly after six o'clock, having cycled over 150 kms and climbed some 2100 metres. One victory photo later we were done.

Our total raised for WAY had reached 4400 € by the time we returned home saddle sore and suffering from sunburn.

We shall treasure the memory of this amazing week in Simon's honour, and in honour of all those widowed and so young.

Thank you again for your support.

If you knew Simon at all, worked with him, were taught by him, read his research, or books, then please give generously!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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