What is this about?

Vicky - Another winning hand

Following my heart attack in June 2011 there was a lot of time on my hands, and Facebook provided me with a way to keep in touch with many people, one of whom is Vicky (my niece). In the same week as my heart attack she was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Throughout a gruelling, 9 months of chemotherapy and major surgery Vicky remained cheerful and positive. Many of her Facebook posts were inspiring, less than 24 hours after surgery she posted a picture of her leg proudly announcing "Bandages off, hurrraaaay, walked with crutches for the first time today :) not going to be in this place much longer ♥

Bandages off!

On a visit I learnt of the work of the TCT and saw at first hand what they had provided. It was clear that patients like Vicky appreciated this. I also heard stories of other patients that brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. When I left on that first day I felt humbled and shocked and knew I wanted to do something to help the TCT in their work.

LeJoG (Lands End to John o' Groats) is one of those things that I have always wanted to do and have never got around to doing (I could add; tidying the loft, rebuilding a garden pond, and other things to this list). I had got back into cycling in 2010 . The next 12 months saw me loose 56lb (25kg) in weight and cost me a new wardrobe. At the start of 2011 I began to plan a LeJog, but then my heart decided to intervene. I was actually on a bike ride at the time of my heart attack, and I was lucky to survive, since the attack started after about 7 miles and I then rode the remaining 30 miles home. This probably proves that I am stupid enough to be a "LeJogist". 

Koga Signature World Traveller

My cardiologist is happy with my progress and I am now riding again, realising that I am mortal and not going to live for ever I decided to do LeJog in September 2012


Having made that decision it seemed obvious that I should use it to raise money for a good cause, and TCT was the obvious candidate. If you read about, or see the work they do, I am sure you will agree with me that it is a cause that deserves to be recognised for helping young people who have a lot of living still to do. Click here for link to TCT

It's a big challenge but then so is riding 1000 miles especially when your are like me - "Almost over the hill"


I would like to raise £2 for every mile I ride. I m paying for all my expenses (so nothing is being taken from donations) and I have created a Just Giving Page to make your sponsorship as convenient as possible Click here for Link to Just Giving


I also promise to "blog" and "tweet" regularly, and I hope you will follow my journey.

Posing near Loch Awe