Thanks - First of all thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  Hopefully you will find the time and generosity to make a donation no matter how big or small.

I cycled from London to Paris - At 9.00am on Friday the 30th April I departed from St Paul's Cathedral, London in the direction of the Eiffel Tower, Paris on my bike..........

I will be covering over 60 to 70 miles per day with 4 overnight stops planned in Canterbury, Montreuil-sur-mer, Amiens and Cergy Pontoise arriving just in time for our Eurostar back on Tuesday 4th May.  What a way to spend a long weekend!

I will be travelling with approx 30 other riders.  The event has primarily been organised by some good folks at CB Richard Ellis (CBRE, Commercial Property Advisors) who have very kindly welcomed me to join them and raise money independently for JDRF.

60 to 70 miles per day - From Liverpool City Centre to Manchester City Centre and back again is 67 miles.   If you cycled 70 miles south from Chester you could reach Walsall just to the North of Birmingham or if you travelled 60 miles you would be in Wolverhampton.  London to Brighton is a stroll at 54 miles.

Previous Long Distance Cycling Experience - Nil.  But since starting training shortly after Christmas I did manage to do 64 miles in one day, cycling from West Kirby to Southport, over to Ormskirk and back via Liverpool.  I've bought a new bike, lost a stone, started cycling in/out of work (18 miles each way), bought a yellow Lance Armstrong 'Livestrong' wrist band and worn cycling shorts in public on numerous occasions.  I have also drunk lots of Lucozade/Gatorade/Isotonic sports drinks and endured 45 minutes of spinning classes every Thursday.  On the left you'll see a photo of me in training (there should also be a link to a few others).

Finishing this challenge is not guaranteed!!!!

About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) - JDRF exists to find the cure for type 1 diabetes and is the worlds leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research.  It was founded by a small group of parents of children with type 1 diabetes who recognised that insulin injections are not the cure for this life threatening and life long condition. 

JDRF also work to ensure that the condition is understood, provide information and support for families affected by the condition.  Amongst many other things they provide KIDSAC, a pack to newly diagnosed children and their families containing educational information and a Rufus bear which has patches on parts of its body to help teach children about injection and blood testing sites. 

People with Type 1 diabetes rely on multiple injections or pump infusions every day.  Incidence is increasing by about 4% each year, the largest increase being in children under 5. 

Type 1 diabetes can happen to anyone and is not caused by anything that the person with type 1 diabetes, or their parents, did or did not do.  Only research will find the cure.  JDRF exists to fund that research.

How to Donate - 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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.  So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So don't delay... please donate now!

If you would rather donate in the more traditional way (sponsor form, cash or cheque) then please let me know - you can email me (tonyclark1975@gmail.com), call me on 07776 158 938 or pop round to my house or desk!.

Thanks to - The biggest thanks to my dedicated support team (...my beautiful wife Nicola!) who is my best supporter, always makes sure I always have everything I need and sends me on my way with a kiss, a smile and "just be careful", not to mention the washing!  Thanks also to Rob, Jasna and Joe at CB Richard Ellis for all the time you've put into organisation and welcoming me to tag along (and Nicola W for inviting me in the first place when I agreed to 50 miles a day!!!); Adele at JDRF for your encouragement, support and sponsor pack; The Bike Factory Chester for a great discount on my bike; Cheshire Oaks Cycles for the discounts on my cycling shoes and general technical advice and encouragement. 

Wish me luck and thanks again!!!!!!!