Welcome back!

This is my charity page for sponsorship towards my participation in the now infamous Fred Whitton Challenge, a 112 mile sportive around the Lake District.  Starting at Grasmere and taking in climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott, Wrynose and Blea Tarn passes, the Fred demands climbing of just over 3,600m.  I am very sorry this has come around so quickly, believe me, but I feel sure it will be a full year until the next one 🤞.

Over the last 10 years, you, my generous sponsors have enabled me to raise just over £18,800, which represents the equivalent of 1% of the £1.8m the event has raised in its 23-year history.  I would dearly love to add to this tally for good causes.

In addition to raising money, every year I strive to improve my time, and year on year I have managed to chip away at it with the ultimate goal of completing the gruelling ride in under 7 hours.  Age is no barrier, yet!

This year is no different to the rest other than the 30th of March 2020 is my last day of a 2-week isolation for COVID.  A period of 2 weeks off the bike is the longest time I've spent not doing any cycling in over 2 years and there are only 5 weeks to go to the event. 😬

My performance has certainly been affected, but as of today, I am just not sure by how much? This could only be worse for me if I contracted COVID during the week of the event.  So what is now required is for me to strain every sinew and for me to do my best to get back on track.  I am certain I will complete the event in 2022, I am just unsure how fast?

There are so many needy causes right now.  Over the year I have sponsored Macmillan Cancer and the NW Air Ambulance in equal measure, however this year I have decided to commit 100% of my sponsorship to the NW Air Ambulance.  This is primarily because of the essential work they do to support the local rural community, but certainly, because of the unprecedented uptick in fuel costs, which have significantly affected their ability to serve us all.  I also love the way they fly in Ukrainian colours 💙💛

If you are happy, willing and able to support me in this ongoing adventure, please do so here.  All contributions will be warmly welcomed.