Paul's Giving Page

Thank you for taking the time to visit my Fundraising Page. Here's the short version of my story: I'm cycling right across France at the end of June to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The money donated will support their life-saving research into this terrible disease, and bring forward the day when all cancers can be cured. I'd be extremely grateful for any support you may care to give towards this very worthy cause. Now here's the longer version. In 1977 (yes, it really was 42 years ago), together with my brother and a good friend, I cycled from the English Channel to St Tropez, some 725 miles. We did it to raise money for charity and were bowled over by the response we received and how many generous people are out there. As we are all getting on a bit, with more miles on the clock and, in my case, significantly less hair, we decided that we should get our bikes out again and this time go from west to east: from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean. Bikes are being hired from Bordeaux and, starting at the airport, the first day is a ride to the picturesque town of Arcachon which is home to Pilat, the largest sand dune in Europe. On the Sunday we head off in earnest to the south east, riding though the French countryside on minor roads, canal and river towpaths. Other than a welcome overnight stop midway with relatives in Toulouse, the plan is to camp along the way which of course means carrying all we need with us. It is interesting deciding what you're really prepared to haul around on such a trip. So out goes the four-burner gas barbeque then. I'm hoping to be able to do the 350 miles to Gruissan Plage on the Mediterranean coast near Narbonne within a week, which would be handy as the train back to Bordeaux and the return flight is booked. Keep your eyes open for news of progress as the week unfolds! Contrary to what the map might suggest, it is not all downhill.... My choice of charity is quite a personal one; having lost my sister in law and four good friends to cancer, and with a further two friends having undergone intensive cancer treatment in the last few years, Cancer Research UK was really the one for which I'd like to raise money. Thank you very much for reading this short story. I would be very grateful for any donation you may care to make, as every pound raised really can make a difference. However, if you feel that you can't give monetary support I fully understand - just send me a good luck message on the 22nd! With my thanks and best regards, Paul