Hey, Richard here - or Dickie to some of you.  On the 29th October 2019, my mum, Claire, passed away after suffering for a year with terminal lung cancer.  It was the hardest thing I've ever had to face, and I miss her so much.

After the initial diagnosis, I wanted to do something to make a difference and to put some of my anger, sadness and frustration into something good.  After completing the Prudential 100 last year, I set myself the challenge of riding the length of the UK - from John O'Groats to Land's End - in memorial of my mum.  One of my closest friends, Jack Horncastle, stepped forward to take on the challenge with me.  We will take on the gruelling ride with a target of completing it in 9 days, starting in Scotland and finishing it in Cornwall.  This will be the challenge of a lifetime and we are taking it seriously.  The journey will push us to the limit, testing us physically but also mentally, as we will average over 110 miles per day.  We are both now training hard ahead of the ride (if anyone is interested in joining our training rides, please get in touch!)  On day 8 of 9, we will be joined by some of our closest friends and family who will hopefully provide us with a much-needed boost as we ride towards Land's End on the following and final day.

***COVID-19 UPDATE 21 APRIL 2020***

We have been monitoring the situation in the UK as regards COVID-19.  We have been forced to make the decision to postpone the ride - it will not take place in the first two weeks of May, as originally planned.  At current, the UK is due to lift lockdown around mid-May, but it is unlikely that hotels etc. will simply reopen unabated.  Both Jack and I are flexible on dates for the event, and currently, we are looking optimistically at the end of June/early July but we will keep you updated on the dates as soon as we know them.

NB - we will still be completing the event over a 9-day period.  We hope that those who are planning to join us on day 8 of 9 can still make it (there will be a separate event update for those who this applies to).

Finally - *and this is really important* - I have reached out to Roy Castle regarding fundraising. As some of you may be aware, Roy Castle is currently in danger of "going under" due to lack of fundraising.  Sadly, this appears to be the case for a number of charities in the UK.  However, there is some good news!  All donations made to this page are directly transferred to Roy Castle at the end of each week, meaning that donations you make now - for a ride that we will most certainly complete as soon as we possibly can - WILL BE RECEIVED BY ROY CASTLE.  To be clear: money donated now can be used by the charity.  it is much needed, now more than ever, so please donate generously!

Thanks, Richard and Jack x

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We are setting a target of £2000 to raise money for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation - but we want to smash this.  Roy Castle is the UK's only lung cancer charity, and although lung cancer kills more people than breast and cervical cancer combined, and is the most common cause of death from cancer.  Despite this, it receives comparably little funding.  Roy Castle supports the research that gave my mum more time with us, and also provides support throughout the whole process of this horrible disease.  We want to smash the target we've set, so please donate generously.  This is something that is so incredibly important that is so close to my heart, and every penny counts.

My wife, Emily, is also raising money for Roy Castle by running similarly gruelling challenge of running the London Marathon.  She has been training so hard, and needs your help too!  Please consider splitting your donation by donating to her page, too!  It all goes to the same place and she absolutely needs to reach her set target! See https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/emily-pearson-SAVMLMBONDS333-2020-206720

With lots of love and thanks, Richard and Jack.

Donating:  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.