JULY 09 UPDATE: WE DID IT!!!

 

Dear Sponsor

Cycle Ride: Edinburgh to Limoges (France), 25 June - 2 July 09

In June last year, I took part in The Race Against Time (TRAT) cycling 874 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in just 6 days. I did it for the sporting challenge and to raise £10,000 for the Bishop Simeon Trust and their HIV-AIDS work in South Africa.

Well, I am not having a rest this year! I am again following last year's draconian 4500 miles training programme in order to prepare for this year's challenge: an 800 miles cycle ride between Edinburgh and Limoges in just 8 days. I am doing this to attend my sister's wedding on 4 July, and to raise money for Bethany Christian Trust.

Bethany Christian Trust is a Scottish Charity with an aim to relieve the suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people. Bethany provides a wide range of care services, including street work, accommodation and housing support, to empower people to live independent, hope-filled lives: http://www.bethanychristiantrust.com/sevenlevels/

So gone are the racing bikes, support team, organised 6 meals a day, sports massages and cosy hostels. I shall do this "Mark Beaumont" style: 100 miles a day on a touring bike, unsupported, sleeping on the roadside, washing in rivers, and... shaving on arrival (preferrably before the wedding). Two other cycling maniacs will share this epic ride with me: Neil Brown my good friend and TRAT companion of last year, and Craig Hall (colleague, friend and... touring virgin) who will do the UK leg of the trip.

I am targeting to raise £2,000 or more for projects funded by Bethany and would be extremely grateful for any support you could offer. This is my online personal sponsorhip account. Donating through this site is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Bethany Christian Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please dig deep and sponsor me now! In doing so, you will help Bethany give homeless and vulnerable people hope and a future.

Thank you.

Pierre Puyrigaud

PS: Oh! And yes: I am doing this DRUG FREE (but cannot guarantee abstinence from camembert and fresh baguettes once we have crossed the Channel...)

Off-line donations:

£70.00 - Erica Stuart

£40.00 - Colin Cumberland

£40.00 - Francis, Lindsey, Rachel, Daniel & Benjamin Cummings