Cycle for the Cure
The French Alps, September 10-11, 2010
Message from fundraiser John Taylor:
"My name is John Taylor. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with an MPD (myeloproliferative disorders) called Polycythaemia Vera (or PV). I have been a keen cyclist all my life and was determined not to let this disease stop me riding. The positive affect of continual cycling has helped me deal with the disease in a more positive way, so I now feel confident & fit enough to do something to help, so have decided to organise a fund raising cycle ride in the French Alps.
Our COL CONQUERING CHALLENGE is to attempt to ride up as many high Alpine passes as seen on the Tour de France (or COLS as the French call them) as we can in 2 days. This will be a really difficult challenge with some of these Cols climbing to 6000ft & more, so we will be riding constantly uphill for 8 to 20+ km's with average gradients of 10% (1 in 10) on each Col. For myself with PV conquering just one of these monsters will be a success. To the best of my knowledge I don't think anyone with PV or any other MPD has attempted anything like this before.
The TEAM consists of myself & 5 friends (average age 59 years). Luckily for them none of them have an MPD. Apart from one they are all older than me and as such have their own health issues. On 10/11 Sept 2010 we will attempt the challenge. If we can do this then it also proves anything is possible even with diseases and age against us. We are as pictured L to R Derek Woodings, Bill Cotton, Brain Newton, Alan Hitchcock & John Taylor, plus Andy Swinburne - the invisible man!"
Make a pledge here...
All funds raised go directly to MPD Support.
MPD Support is a registered UK charity under the auspices of Guy's and St Thomas' Charity. Our registered charity number is 251983-30. |
