On 10th September 2014 17 people will be setting off from Swindon to cycle their way to Paris in order to raise funds and awareness for Swindon based charity CALM (Children’s Cancer & Leukaemia Movement)

CALM is a charity run by parents who have previously had children who were diagnosed with cancer.  They receive no funding from the NHS, all funds are raised by our families and supporters and aids families of children who are currently being treated.  

The objectives of CALM are simple, to improve the quality of life for children currently being treated and to support their parents, siblings and families through this difficult time, both during and after treatment.

CALM provides both emotional and financial support to those that it helps, in the form of grants for expenses and equipment, facilities, day trips and social activities for sufferers.  Children going through this type of treatment often have difficulty in having normal childhood experiences as their weakened immune system can prevent them from integrating and socialising with other children. As well as this, CALM is also dedicated to funding childhood cancer research to help the fight the battle against cancer. 

This event is being organised by someone who knows first hand how challenging and terrifying it can be to have a child diagnosed with cancer.  CALM has been one of few lights in the darkness as this family struggles to deal with the harsh reality of the situation.

To show our thanks and support to CALM and the ideals and goals that it represents, 17 of us of all shapes, ages and sizes will be taking on the challenge of cycling from Swindon to Paris. None of the group are professional cyclists, and many of us did not even own a bike until this event was set in motion.  Until the time of the event, we will be training from the ground up and trying desperately to raise whatever we can for this wonderful organisation.

Our goal is raise whatever we can for CALM, in the hope that the donations we receive can be used to support other families facing this nightmare and to raise awareness of such a great charity.

As we push ourselves through this difficult trial, we ask that you think of the families who are currently facing far worse; and donate whatever you can.  It really will make the difference.

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.