This entry was posted on Friday, September 28th, 2012at 9:05 am by anadmin

Charity Cycle – Burton to Paris

In January 2011, John’s life was sent in to turmoil when totally unexpectedly he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s diffuse Large-B Cell lymphoma (a type of blood Cancer). As a 26 year old young man who had always been involved with sport and was actively involved in the sports industry, this as you can imagine had a profound impact. This came at a time in John’s life when his partner of 5 years was expecting their second child.

During the course of John’s treatment over the seven month period he experienced many highs and lows, but throughout, with the support of medical professionals and John’s family, he continued to battle and is still doing this now as the treatment continues, whilst in hospital there were many sources of inspiration one significant one being Lance Armstrong.

While this has been a period of adversity, John has managed to remain positive through a desire to support the development of research and supporting the ward whose professionalism has brought him to this point in his treatment.

I am sure that you will receive many requests for support through sponsorship but hope you will recognise the desire John has to complete this and other events to raise funds to continue research and development of facilities for a disease that has no specific age or gender that it will impact on.

John’s intention is to cycle with the support of a team made up of colleagues from South Derbyshire District Council, friends from Burton Rugby Club and family, over 300+ miles crossing the English channel travelling from Rosliston Forestry Centre in Swadlincote to the Grand Palais on the Champs-Elysees, Paris France in 4 days. The ride will coincide with the Tour de France as they plan to depart on Wednesday 18th July 2012 arriving in Paris on Saturday 21st July 2012, the day before the Tour arrives on the Champs-Elysees.

The sponsored cycle ride will raise funds for 2 Charities, ‘Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research’ and ‘Cyclists Fighting Cancer’.

In addition to the main charity cycle ride, John has also planned the following events to help raise additional vital funds:

Friday 11th May Race Night at Burton Tennis and Squash Club first race is at 7.30pm, bets of £1 per horse, become a horse owner for £10 and stand a chance of scooping the glory and a prize.

Thursday 31st May Curry Night at Jee Ja Jee’s Restaurant Burton on Trent £17.50 per person join John for this social fundraiser with a spicy twist and lots of fun to be had. Bookings to be made with Steve Smith steve@castele.co.uk

Friday 22nd June put on your thinking cap for a music and film quiz night at Burton Rugby Club starts at 7.30pm. Entry per team of 4 is £10 individual entry £2.50 raffle being drawn on the night and supper served in the kitchen.

Wednesday 18th July come and join us in of the most beautiful settings in the National Forest as we depart Rosliston Forestry Centre headed for Paris, refreshments available departing at 9am.

For more information please visit http://www.burton2paris.weebly.com