Alan Wordie's Handbike Challenge from Land's End to John O'Groats
I will be setting off from Lands’ End on my handbike to cycle and navigate about 930 miles to John o’ Groats. I am planning on taking 18 or 19 days and hope for cooler weather and a strong south westerly tail wind! It has always been a lifetime aim to raise funds for the MND association and here’s why:
In the 1990s two work colleagues were diagnosed with MND soon after their retirement at age 65. I observed them both over the two years during which their muscles failed yet their minds remained unaffected. I decided then, that when I retired I’d try and raise a significant fund to both support ongoing research; and also beds and equipment that would allow the families of those diagnosed to help maintain the patient in the home for as long as possible. The charity I am raising funds for is the MND association (MNDA).
Some reading this will know me and others will not. 44 years ago I had my right leg amputated above the knee and I have relied on prosthetics and long trousers to continue to lead a normal life. I cannot run, cycle with legs or walk significant distances - so I am powering my handbike with my two arms. We see cyclists pumping their thighs and standing in the saddle, but I rely upon my arm muscles alone. The task is not going to be easy, and if I can raise sponsorship that provides £70,000 to MND Association then the help that can provide motivates me to continue my training and preparation for departure next month! I need not remind many of you it is my 70th birthday in September and the slogan “raise £70,000 in my 70th year” is where the target originated.
When I speak with people and explain what I’m doing - and why - I am very surprised how many family and close friends have died of MND. Consequently, I would ask if you could share this email appealing for support and direction to my fundraising page on JustGiving, to as many contacts you have. Please ask them to cascade this appeal to their contacts - and so on. MNDA is such a worthy cause and every donation will help.
So, could I ask you to donate via JustGiving (Handbike321not Alan Wordie) which can be accessed via the QR code above or via my Instagram @handbike321 where the Just Giving link appears (under the down arrows), and share this email with as many contacts as possible so they might consider a donation too.
Not sure there will be an opportunity to see you en route - but if any friends or wider contacts want to join for a day or two as cycle outriders and junction guides they will be hugely welcomed.
I do hope you can help towards the target and cascading this far and wide.
Regards,
Alan
http://www.justgiving.com/page/handbike321lejog4mnda
