The start date of our cycle ride is now 24th May 2008.

We are attempting this feat to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of our family members who have died of cancer over the last few years, and those who have suffered the pain of cancer but thankfully survived.

The furthest we have ever cycled is 50 miles and we have never climbed a 3600 feet ascent in one day (which we will be attempting in May!). Our average daily distance is 42 miles and includes steep gradients and rough ground to make this a real challenge.  We will cross several high passes in the Lake District and reach level ground between Richmond and Osmotherly, then cross the Cleveland Hills and North Yorkshire Moors, ending up in Robin Hood’s Bay.

As you might hope, we are all training hard and seeking to raise £10,000 for Cancer Research.

This £10,000 could cover the cost of:

· 10 women  participating in a trial investigating whether the breast cancer treatment drug anastrozole can prevent the disease in some women.
· Cancer Research UK aim to nurture the talent of young scientists by supporting them through a PhD.  £5,000 of the money raised could fund the research of a PhD student for 2 months.
· £10,000 could also buy two safety cabinets.  These are used by scientists working with cell cultures in order to prevent contamination with germs in the air.

Our Coast to Coast itinerary is as follows:

Fri 23rd Travel from Ipswich to Whitehaven
Sat 24th Biking from St Bees to Eskdale
Sun 25th Eskdale to Kentmere
Mon 26thKentmere to Keld
Tue 27th Keld to Osmotherly
Wed 28thOsmotherly to Robin Hood’s Bay

If you would like to know more about the challenge visit www.sherpavan.com/trails/coast_to_coast.asp

We will be keeping a log of our preparations, training and our actual challenge on our website, so please be sure to look us up at  http://www.coast2coast2008.co.uk – we would like to receive your comments and encouragement.

Many thanks for your donation. If you have any questions do us a call on 07990 527892 or email us at sampsonkp@willis.com.

We look forward to hearing from you,