.....please take the time to read my fundraising page. Thanks.

I have decided to participate in the Christie’s Manchester to Blackpool 60 mile cycle ride on Sunday 13th July.  Not only will this be a personal challenge, I want to raise awareness for the Scleroderma Society.  Most of you are aware of the untimely death of Karen, sister to Jane (my sister-in-law).

Karen was diagnosed with Scleroderma a couple of years ago and due to the aggressive nature of the disease she had spent the last year in and out of hospitals and she died suddenly several weeks ago at the age of 41, leaving 3 children; the youngest being 3.  I knew her personally and she had a heart of gold and as a Nurse her bedside manner was very natural and she did everything she could to help, care for and support people who were ill and suffering; to her patients, friends and family she was an ‘angel’.

I am fully aware of all the aches and pains I will endure but I am more than determined to complete this event and would consider this a small price to pay knowing monies raised will hopefully make a difference to someone else’s life. 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Scleroderma Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please dig deep for this worthy cause and sponsor me.....your support will spur me on to the finish line when my legs won't!!!!

Thank you very much in advance for your kind generosity. Your donation really means a lot to me, Karen's family and to The Scleroderma Society.

UPDATE 29/6/08

2 weeks to go and the stark reality of what I’m about to do is becoming more apparent; when I announced I was participating in this event Ron (Karen's dad) repeatedly said to me "I really don't think you've thought about this, have you" and it appears I hadn't! I've relocated to Walton Summit with work which is a 40 mile round trip and now I've grasped the whole concept of 60 miles and cycling it.....any sane person would ordinarily drive this distance.

I am staggered by the generosity of sponsors and the support I've received in preparation for the BIG day; it's overwhelming how kind people are! It's a comfort to know that in memory of Karen, this money will have a significant effect on the life of another person suffering from this terrible disease.

For anyone wishing to witness me crossing the finish line it’s at the Glitter Ball on the Promenade (between the Pleasure Beach and Star Gate)…….so come along, the more the merrier! I’ll be needing volunteers to peel me off my bike and carry me to the car. I've booked my massage for the following day!!!!

Let’s hope the weather conditions are kind to me on the day!!!!!

THE BIG DAY – 13/7/08

Peter & I set off from Manchester at 8am and crossed the finish line in Blackpool at 1.45pm, completing 62 miles in perfect weather conditions in less than 6 hours. 

Reality is slowing sinking in on my personal achievement and the amount of money raised for this charity in memory of Karen; I know that she would be so proud of us all.

Thanks to family & friends who were there to applaud and greet us and to everyone who has made this ‘TOTAL’ possible. 

Special thanks to Pat & Ron – thank you both so much for your support and the beautiful flowers. To Bro who motivated me when I needed it; I did try to keep on the back off your back wheel! And finally to Wench for spoiling me (what would I do without you)  the radox was just what the fatigued muscles needed! Wuv you x

Michelle