#L2P24 – London to Paris in 24 hrs (cycling).

So you are probably sitting comfortably and cosy and wondering, ‘what on earth possessed you to embark on such a big challenge?’ So before I take you on the journey with me from one capital city to another, let me give you a bit of background…

If you’ve read any of my blog before, you will know I’ve always had a bit of passion for raising money for good causes and more frequently they involve some sort of sponsored sporting challenge. (try saying that after a little festive wine!)

First I raised money for Crohn’s & Colitis after loosing a good snowboarding friend, Paul Davidson, to Crohn’s, far too young.  I think of you Paul, every time I’m zooming down a snow covered mountain!  You were always the fastest!

I also raised money for an organisation I volunteered for: Destiny Lifeline, supporting vulnerable women in Glasgow to help them regain confidence, self worth and sense of purpose and direction.

Well, this past 2 years I’ve lost too many of my friend’s close relatives to cancer:

John Hopkins

My close friend Audrey lost her dad John Hopkins – a great guy!  I have many happy memories of holidaying in Spain with the Hopkins and other times having a wee tipple at their house in Haddington, usually accompanied with a massive spread of food, lovingly prepared by Irene.

Jason Houten

I became friends with Samantha at work 17 years ago and in 2014 Samantha lost her brother Jason to a brain tumour.  He was only 34 and left behind two young girls and devoted wife.

Robert Hood

I’ve known David, Robert’s brother, for the last 16 years or so – he was my manager and has become a good friend.  He sadly lost his brother to cancer last year.

Pat and Christine Boselli

Through Samantha I extended my friendships to Joanne and other great girls from Greenock!  I was so sad to hear that within a 7 month period, Joanne lost not only her step-mum but also her Dad.

Too much loss and too much sadness…   I wanted to do something about beating cancers butt.

So I made my decision… I opted for Cancer research UK and set up a Virgin Money giving sponsorship page.   Then all I had to decide was what events would I do this time to honour all these wonderful people.  It seemed that it would require something big…  so I signed up for the Brighton Marathon with 3 friends for April 2015 and I was looking for inspiration for something else… a little bit different to really get people on board to help raise money…..