We never had any intention of getting together for another charity ride a year after the last one from Landsend to Botany Bay. However, we have all been asked and convinced to rise to a new and harder challenge.
The reasons for all of us agreeing to giving it another go were varied and came over us at different times, but overwhelmingly it was the realisation that there are always people that are being affected by loss and illness in their lives.
The decision was therefore a simple one and we all concluded that another year had passed and more people around us needed the support that a ride would bring not only in the raising of charity funds but also by keeping the memory of their loved ones alive.
Ben, Matt and myself have chosen to support three charities that provide support to a wide range of people in our close community. The ride will be in memory of so many of them, a celebration of their lives and the contribution they made to others along the way. People who whether young, middle aged or old provided so much to our lives.
Through SUDEP, British Heart Foundation and the Seve Ballesterous Foundation (Cancer Research UK) we believe that we can make a difference.
Since the last ride we have lost a number of family and friends to such illnesses and seen others greatly affected by their passing. People who had supported us last year are no longer with us which makes this challenge even more emotional. We do not wish to dwell on the suffering of others but instead celebrate the lives of Jordan, Father John, Ben's Aunt and Grandfather, Matt's Nan, Jel's Dad, Mark's Parents and all those who have been lost to us over the last couple of years.
We are also doing it because we can, for what is life without challenge, without goals and without hope. We pray that PARIS AND BACK will give a focus to all that is good around us, the team work, the friendship and the support of others.
"PARIS AND BACK in 72 hours!!!! Impossible!!! Madness!! No hope!" THEY SAID
"Father John reignited my faith, he showed us how to hope and gave us belief that everything is possible. Any way all you doubters it's looking good and we haven't even shaved our legs yet!!" - Mirams Master
Quite simply: