Daniel Boulton and Mike West were good friends of Fran.  Fran died last year aged 28, 7 months after being diagnosed with incurable brain cancer, leaving wife Carina and youngsters Holly and Archie.  

Fran often raised money for charity whilst completing running and cycling events.  Fran was planning to cycle from Land's End to John o'Groats in September 2019.  Planning for his ride was already advanced, his JustGiving page was up, his route had been created, overnight stops at leisure centres already agreed.  But Fran was already unwell, he'd fallen at work a few times, and was having medical tests.  Back then we didn't realise Fran was seriously ill, we thought the tests would lead to a plan and resolution.  So Fran postponed to 2020, hoping for a warm spring and tailwinds, but his illness meant he never had a chance to cycle LeJoG.

Fran was raising money for Anxiety UK, here's what he wrote on his JustGiving page.

“Hello I am Francis Eddolls I'm 28 years old I have suffered from anxiety since my teen age years but over this last year it has become a lot worse and because of great friends and family I feel I'm becoming more myself again but as some one who suffers from anxiety and depression I know that help really matters so here we go I'm cycling from the bottom of the UK to the top that's right lands end to John O'groats 980 miles 50,000 feet of climbing in 8 days it's something I have always wanted to to do and as a keen cyclist I feel I might as well see how far I can push myself well trying to help other people who suffer with anxiety and depression.”

Now Daniel and Mike are riding LeJoG for Fran, cycling just under 900 miles in 5 days.  We are doing this to complete what Fran intended, in his memory and to raise funds for charity just as he was.  LeJoG is a must do ride for British cyclists, it's the best known long distance ride in the UK and it is quite a challenge.  It is most often ridden over 9 or 10 days, but we're a bit short of time, so are riding it in 5 days.  Without being dramatic this will be hard, we need to ride over 170 miles each day, and find time to eat, recover and sleep too.  We are lucky to have a support car and driver, Matty, which means we can focus on turning our pedals, getting over the hills.

If you remember Fran and want to donate to causes close to him please do.  If you know Dan or Mike and want to encourage them please donate too.  We have two JustGiving pages as we are raising for two charities, Longfield Hospice and Anxiety UK.  

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.