JOHN O’GROATS TO LAND’S END 2014/16/18 CHARITY RIDE
IN AID OF PROSTATE CANCER UK
SUMMARY
2014
I've lost many friends who’ve died of this illness.
This, my first ride was for Harry, Jim, Darren, Alex, Chester, John, Andy and also for my favourite and beloved pet dog Charlie, who died of a cancer related condition.
My chosen journey was influenced by Henry Cole's inspirational ride from John O'Groats to Land's End in his TV series "World's Greatest Motorcycle Rides"
The trip took me 7/8 days and I learned quite a lot from it.
An anecdotal account of my journey can be found on my website BLOG page "Back in The Saddle"
The journey was exciting and challenging, but it was not done for my own personal gratification.
The principal motive and objective behind this endeavour was to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer and to highlight the importance of early detection of this condition and encourage men to be more proactive in their urological health care.
I, too, suffer from complications of the prostate, but I thank God that I have so far been spared the worst case scenario.
My special thanks to Mr P.F. Hughes, my wonderful Consultant Urologist at Pontefract General Hospital.
2015
It was my intention to do a follow up trip which was unfortunately cancelled due to a lack of sponsorship.
All was not lost nor forgotten. I organized a 12 hour cycle marathon at my local biker’s cafe, Squires in Sherburn-in-Elmet.
It was a rainy day, but the enthusiasm shown by those who participated was gratifying.
2016
(The Brexit Year)
Departed Normanton 13th August - Returned Altofts, Wakefield, 22nd August
I allowed about 10/14 days to complete the journey and I did it in 10 days.
It wasn't as financially successful as I would have hoped for, but I was glad to have accomplished it and was gratified by the responses received from the general public.
I'd like to give a special mention to those good folks who agreed to display the official collection tins at their premises.
Allums - The Butchers of Altofts and Wakefield, Castle Motorcycles of Castleford, Normanton Tyres, BSB Motors, Logan Garage of Normanton and Mr Lock & Keys of Normanton.
Prostate Cancer is still with us. It will not go away unless more work is done to find the cure. And that means more money...
2017
Due to a set of unforseen circumstances and also a lack of sponsorship, I was unable to deliver on my intentions. There is always next year.
2018
CASTLE MOTORCYCLES, CASTLEFORD, YORKSHIRE
The fight goes on.
JOHN O'GROATS - LAND'S END CHARITY RIDE 2018 IN AID OF PROSTATE CANCER UK
To my fellow Bikers!
I am pleased to announce that I am fortunate this year to have secured the assistance of
CASTLE MOTORCYCLES
www.castlemotorcycles.co.uk
I will be meeting a few local bikers and setting off from their showroom in Castleford on the 1st of July, then on to Squires, my local bikers Café in Sherburn-in-Elmet, for breakfast, ahead of the first leg to Dunfermline.
The Round Trip
Normanton/John O’Groats/Land’s End/Normanton
1847 miles
https://goo.gl/maps/doqbVVjuqGq
I did this ride ' SOLO' in 2014 & 2016.
It wasn’t my intention to repeat this event, but the sad and disturbing statistics showing that more men are now dying of Prostate Cancer than women of Breast Cancer has spurred me on to embark on another ride this July.
Some of you will have done this journey in 2 days or less, but this is not a race in search of the best hardened rider! I wish to enjoy the journey, rather than turn it into an endurance test.
Previous trips were mildly successful, but overall, I was disappointed that my set targets were not reached.
I am absolutely convinced that this was due a lack of credible publicity and sponsors and trying to do it solo with limited resources and that’s why I’m really going for it this year!
I’ve widened the geographical net to incorporate bikers from other counties in the hope that they may join me as I ride through their territory.
Even if they are unable to join me for the whole trip, they may decide to join me on a leg or two or just meet me along the way for a coffee break.
I want to make a roar on the way and attract the most attention and further raise the public’s awareness of this debilitating condition which affects 1 in 8 men.
I am allowing 10 days to complete the journey, with ample time to meet with other biker groups en route.
Should any of you be interested and feel up to meeting up, please contact me via my email address. I will then send out sponsorship forms for you to sign up your biker friends, family and friendly neighbours!
My bike’s tracker will be activated on my departure, to enable all to follow my progress live.
My updated detailed itinerary is available as 'Blogs' on this website and also on Facebook.com/pccharityride2014
If you wish to make a contribution, please do so via my website www.pccharityride2014.co.uk which is set up to receive donations using JustGiving.
Contact: Email pccharityride2014@gmail.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Gofundme and PayPal have been set up to attract sponsorships from private individuals, motorbike dealers and manufacturers who may wish to ‘Get Involved’.
Gofundme.com/pccharityride2014
PayPal Nominated Account This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
JOIN THE FIGHT. GET INVOLVED
Thank you for all your support.
Roger
