Thanks for taking the time to check out our "Team Lambe & Harvey-Jones" just giving page.

So, it's been a few years since Nick & I have asked you guys to dig deep in aid of a fantastic charity and yet again a rather crazy challenge…so here it is.

Sam Harvey-Jones, Nick & I decided over a few glasses of wine (alcohol has a lot to answer for!) to sign up for the the long distance Alpe d'Huez triathlon which takes place on 30th July (only a few weeks away now - gulp!).

This long distance race begins at an altitude of 700m in the glacial waters of Lac du Verney in what will be a rather chilly 2.2km wetsuit swim.  We then "hop" out of the water and begin the legendary 115 km cycle, which includes cycling up 3 large mountains - the Alpe du Grand Serre (1375m), Col d'Ornon (1371m) and finishes off with the monster climb of Alpe d'Huez, including 21 switching bends to the top (1850m).  Nick & I cycled Alpe d'Huez at the end of the E'tape du Tour 3 years ago....and it's safe to say I'm personally not looking forward to it at all!  And then, once we hit the top of Alpe d'Huez the race finally finishes with a little half marathon at high altitude around the village.  I'm slightly exhausted just writing this.

We have been training hard since Christmas, cramming training in early doors before work and kids or early evening when they're all in bed.  At the weekends we have been clocking up the km's on the bike with long rides and we are hoping that the heat and high humidity will aid us when we arrive in France to fresh, unpolluted air.  We have ridden and run in all weathers; Amber rain, hot weather warning, 99% humidity and thunder and lightening in around what feels like 38 degrees - so this race should be easy??!??!?!?

So, why are we doing it?  We would like to dedicate this page to 2 people who are currently fighting this disease as well as the thousands of people out there battling with brain cancer.  As many of you know my mother was diagnosed almost 5 years ago with a grade 3 brain tumour and breast cancer.  She has been incredibly brave and fought incredibly hard to beat this awful disease.  Whilst she will never be "cancer free" she remains fit and healthy as we speak and we pray this continues.  Mum has been extremely fortunate in having amazing oncologists who have given her the best treatment possible, and without fundraising these amazing people probably wouldn't exist.  We would also like to dedicate the race to our neighbour, and old training partner, David Howell, who was diagnosed just after Christmas with a grade 4 brain tumour, only weeks after having taken part and finishing The Phuket Triathlon.  He is a keen triathlete and would most certainly have been helping me during my week day cycles around Clearwater Bay if he was well enough.  

The more money we raise the closer we may get to finding a cure for this incredibly cruel disease so please give generously, and we promise to do our best to finish the race with a smile on our faces (I personally can't promise the smile!!!).

Arabella, Nick & Sam xx

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