Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Just giving for what? I've chosen to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care. As a family we've drawn on their support, most recently for my much loved mother in law Ivy, who died in March. I'm equally sure that many of you will have experience within your family or friends of the fabulous work they do...and sadly any of us may need to call on Macmillan at some time in the future.

I retired from Fellside Community Primary School this summer after eight rewarding and very happy years as headteacher in this thriving school, with such a supportive community. Our parents organisation Friends of Fellside has each year supported Macmillan through the September Coffee Morning. At these events we've also had the benefit of school parent  and Macmillan nurse, Claire Walton explaining something of the work she does. We have always raised some money for the charity. This year's event is on Friday 24th September. I intend to be there and I hope we can raise a lot of money by then.

Just so I'm aware that I really have left full time employment at the start of the new school year, I have a plan for something very different from my last thirty-six back to school Septembers. On Friday 3rd September, given good health and avoidance of injuries, I shall be setting off from Lands End to John O'Groats on my bike, unsupported and taking a longer, hillier route than is usual, along the north coasts of Cornwall & Devon, through the Welsh borders, The Lake District, Dumfries & Galloway, Arran, Kintyre, Oban, Fort William, through the Great Glen then up the north east coast to John O'Groats. Sounds quite simple in  one sentence! The reality is a ride of just over a thousand miles, pretty much like cycling from Newcastle to Nice. It will be a challenge I'm sure. I'm aiming to complete the trip in a couple of weeks, averaging about 80 miles a day with a fully laden bike. I need to be back at Fellside for that important Macmillan Coffee Morning.

I'd love you to sponsor me. A penny a mile would be ten quid. More (hopefully!), or less, any amount would be good, and I'm sure hearing the clink of coins at the turn of every mile will help me through the inevitable tough times on this ride.

Job done! What a fabulous trip. Started Friday 3rd September arriving in John O'Groats on Thursday 16th after 1008.9 miles.

It's a great cause.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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please donate now.

Cheers,

               Kevin