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As some of you may already know I have very foolishly signed myself up, along with my good mate Mark, for an epic cycle challenge in hope of raising as much money as we can for Wigan & Leigh Hospice. No turning back now 

Why foolish? Well here goes:

1. Just over a week away
2. Absolutely no training leading up to the event (in my defence this was a last minute decision only signed up 25/06/2019 so not had any time, this should be interesting!) 
3. Neither of us have ridden a cycle in years, so this is going to hurt!
4. I have poor balance & suffer with dizzy spells 
5. Overweight & out of shape
6. Let’s face it we’re not as young and fit as we once were. ha ha
7. This is further than either of us have ever cycled before, or ever will again

In my favour:
1. I am Kath’s son, so if I have just a tiny amount of the fight and determination Mum had in her, then this is doable. If she could bounce back, then so can I. For those of you that knew mum you’ll know exactly what I mean 

2. I promised Mum I'd do something to make her proud (Mum if you’re watching, hope this goes towards that promise) ;O) xxx

3. I have a great friend joining me on this crazy ride, CHEERS MARK! got a feeling you might regret it afterwards! Mark has a true heart of gold and Mum thought very highly of him. 

4. We both have a “can do” attitude - (until I've just found out it's all up hill from Manchester to Wigan, “seriously NO downhill before that? JEEZZZZ”)  


So the challenge: 

On Sunday 7th July we intend to cycle with roughly 300 fellow bikers from Manchester to Blackpool, roughly a distance of 62 miles, unless we get lost along the way!

As well as having ‘fun’ (I’d use that word very loosely), there is an important aspect of the ride – to help the hospice in raising a total of £3.5 million they need each and every year to continue providing the specialist care for local people on life’s most difficult journey. 

Here is our journey: 

Mum was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in April of 2018.  She had treatment and took it all on with a smile and her positive attitude was inspiring.  

After being given the wonderful news in October that the Chemo and Radiotherapy treatment had been successful which meant the cancer was “inactive” and to return every 3 months for a check up,  Christmas Day came to a sudden holt with Mum having a major seizure. Then came the news that the cancer had spread to her brain and was untreatable. She came home with the same determination to fight and live. In February Mum suffered more seizures which required a stay in hospital for 10 days, with just palliative care, it was here we first encountered the Hospice team.

Rather than stay in hospital or be moved to the hospice, as a family we decided we wanted mum to come home  for her final days.  The Hospice in the Home team helped arrange facilities so this could happen.  Everything she needed was sorted, regular visits from their team, not to just see Mum, but us as well. Although it was hard, they were always just a phonecall away.

Our brave Mum passed away 5 weeks later with her family together on 7th April. "The Hospice In The Home" was a godsend to us all and gave us extra quality time together that we wouldn't have had otherwise., but the help from Wigan Hospice didn't just stop there, they offered the family help to deal with the bereavement should we need it now or at any time in the future.  

So, I hope you can help me in a couple of ways to raise as much as possible for this well deserving charity.
1. By asking for your generosity in the form of sponsorship 
2. Spread the word by asking your work mates, family & friends if they would also like to sponsor this worthwhile charity. 
or
3. Sign up yourselves for the challenge, go on I DARE YOU! 
https://regonline.activeeurope.com/register/checkin.aspx?EventId=2148100&MethodId=0&EventSessionId=&startnewreg=1


Believe me, your help will make a really big difference to the patients & their loved ones. As it did with us!


If you are in Blackpool on the 7th or anywhere along the route, then please cheer the riders on 


Thank you all in advance for your support, wish us luck, I think we are going to need it.