Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

John’s birth month is May and over recent years he has requested that, in lieu of presents, donations may be made to a chosen charity. Next year will be no different, except it is a significant birthday and events have conspired to determine which charity is to be supported.

The challenge is to ride from Land’s End, the furthest south-westerly point of UK mainland to John O’Groats, the furthest north-easterly point on gravel bikes utilising tarmac B-roads, gravel tracks, dirt tracks, towpaths, woodland trails and other off-road routes covering a distance of c. 1800kms (1125miles) with a vertical ascent of over 18000m (60000 ft) which is twice the height of Everest from sea level. We will be self-supported and camping along the way.

The chosen charity is Prostate Cancer UK

https://prostatecanceruk.org

The team: Paul Ward, Greg Powell and me. We are hoping for others to join us along the route.

The story: A couple of years ago, at the age of 59, Paul was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Having ignored earlier symptoms, he suffered severe back ache whilst out running, so sought advice. Given the severity of the cancer, a plan was quickly put in place and treatment commenced including hormone medication and many rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He has just recently had really positive news about his condition for which we are all extremely grateful and with special thanks to the NHS staff at the Cancer Unit at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd. I know Paul as someone who never gives in (some call it stubborn!), in the past he’s completed a triple Ironman Triathlon, and he has tried his best to keep working throughout his treatment. I’m sure his mental strength has helped him through this distressing period and will continue to do so for as long as possible into an unknown future. To his credit, Greg has been Paul’s “wingman” through all the treatment and hospital consultations, for which I know Paul is very thankful.

We are hoping to raise as much money as possible. Many families have been and will continue to be affected by this condition, I expect we all have family members and close friends who have been affected and so we hope that our efforts will encourage your generosity and provide much needed funds towards research and to help and support existing and future victims.

Namaste 🙏

Paul, Greg and John

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.