Chain Reaction to
beating cancer

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Chain Reaction to beating cancer

2011 has been a challenging year for David Wright and his friends from the Burbage area of Leicestershire as he took on four cycling events all for charity.

Challenge 1

The Caledonian Etape, an organised 81 mile closed road ride, along with 5000 other riders, in Perthshire 15th May 2011. COMPLETED

Challenge 2

To ride from London to Paris, the longest route being London - Folkestone, stiffen up nicely on a Chunnel crossing to Calais and then ride on to the Eiffel Tower. This is a total of 300 miles and unlike most organised rides, we will be doing this in just 3 days rather than the typical 4 days, starting on 16th June 2011 (this challenge I am doing with 11 others). COMPLETED

Challenge 3

Climb Everest by Bike! Not literally of course, but the aim is to climb the equivalent number of Metres, on a bike in the French Pyrenees in 3 days on some of the infamous climbs used in the Tour de France for the last century.

That means 8,848 metres of climbing on the likes of The Tourmalet, Col D'Aspin, the Aubisque and La Hourquette (Wikipedia if you're interested) or to put it into context for those who don't ride a bike, it is the equivalent to the amount of height gained if you were to walk up Mount Snowdon 8 times over.

Start 20th July 2011 (Me & 2 others on and off to pace me for some of the climbs) COMPLETED

Challenge 4

A simple one. To ride 1000 miles during the 30 days of September, That means 33 miles per day, every day, which in reality, will probably mean doing 50 miles (2.5 to 3 hours in the saddle), 5 days a week. September 2011 (A Solo Challenge - unless you want to join me?) COMPLETED in 23 days!

The Team has so far raised for their three chosen charities, Cancer Research UK, LOROS and a local charity called Matthew Needham Treasure Chest.

Not a novice to fundraising David has been putting those wheels to the test with other challenges like riding to Skegness and back in a day!

David said, “This year, I got my own way to a large extent in choosing LOROS and Cancer Research UK as both mean a lot to me having lost my Mum 7 years ago to cancer and not surprisingly, but sadly I guess, most of the guys involved had some connection to cancer through loss of family or friends, and so were happy to go along with my suggestion. It was also the first time that we have used an ‘on-line donation’ page and that made a huge difference and also ensured that Gift Aid went into the pot.”

Here is the all important link to donate http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thekeystothetower

Area Volunteer Manager for Cancer Research UK Debbie Fitzgerald stated; “I would just like to thank David, the team of cyclists, support crew and of course everyone that donated. They really have pushed the boundaries of their abilities and comfort zone, just as Cancer Research UK is pushing the boundaries of science in finding answers to unlock the workings of cancer. We cannot do this ground-breaking work without the constant support of people like you, what you do is really making a difference! Congratulations to you all!”