Lets fight MS, Cancer and help our soils. LE JO’G

On the 20th of July, four beginner cyclists will be throwing on the tight-fitting lycra and setting out on “a ride up the road” from Lands’ End to John O’Groats in aid of three amazing charities.

Cancer Campaign in Suffolk is a charity close to Tom’s family and friends which looks to support and educate cancer patients before, during and after treatment. This amazing charity has been a huge part of Tom’s aunts treatment and has helped her physically and psychologically when she needed it the most. It’s an amazing cause which will make a difference in a localised community for a disease that effects so many of our friends and family.

Dom’s chosen charity will be towards the ‘MS Society’ for which is very close to the family and friends of Robbie Reid. Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong condition for which there is currently no cure. It is an autoimmune disease which affects the brain and spinal cord, and can reduce movement, balance, vision, and sensation. It is the most common cause of disability in younger adults. The ‘MS Society’ is a charity of Robbie’s choice which funds ground-breaking research in the hope that everyone can live their lives free from the effects of MS. All donations will be greatly appreciated for Robbie and Dom’s family and friends, and for those which live with the condition.

George’s chosen charity is the Soil Association (https://www.soilassociation.org/ ), this charity digs deeply to the way in which we transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world. Soil regeneration is quickly becoming one of our best chances of reducing Climate change and improving quality of life throughout the planet.  Its ability to store vast amounts of carbon and water, improves security for some of the world's most vulnerable communities against both flooding and drought. On top of this, enhancing biodiversity in your soil allows you to grow far healthier, nutrient dense food, whilst improving habitats for wildlife. Science still has a lot to learn about the complexities of soil systems. 

To think that a healthy cup of soil can have more living organisms than people on this planet is truly remarkable. We all know that all life comes from the earth beneath our feet, so to give us the best chance of moving forward, let's start looking after it.

We will endure pain, anger and as beginners, many hiccups along the way but with all your support to spur us on we hope to achieve the distance within our allocated timeframe of 14 days. The 1000 mile (1610km) route end-to-end will mean averaging at least 71 miles/day, equivalent to about 5hrs cycling time, should everything run smoothly…

If you fancy regular updates of our training and of the journey itself, follow ‘arideuptheroad’ on Instagram. All donations, as little or as large, will mean the world in helping these causes and getting us closer to our 5k target.

We look forward to updating you all on our progress leading up to the big 20th July!

Big love,

Gustaf, George, Dom and Tom