So Here We Go V2

Hello all and welcome to my BLOG. This is my first ever BLOG. I've wondered why on earth people ever write these things and now I've discovered why. This 'electronic diary' is a way of me capturing my thoughts, hopes and fears as I attempt Lands End to John O Groats this year by bicycle. Quite a feat with the shocking state of my feet. With all the medic trips this year I should have written a BLOG on those. Thank goodness for BUPA. Feet not cured but I guess numbness from bursitis and nerve damage is better than pain. 53 miles last Sunday convinced me to start the BLOG as I pray that the feet will hold up under the strain.Have just written all my begging letters that tell the tale. Happy reading.....

Ref. Land’s End to John O’Groats Charity Cycle Ride in aid of Rays of Sunshine Children’s CharityI am writing to you as I am seeking the support of company sponsors to help me achieve a fundraising target of £4,000 for the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity as I attempt to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats this summer. I plan to complete the ride assisted, in 12 days between 31st August 2010 and 12th September.

Many years ago whilst at Bristol Cathedral School, two of my fellow pupils completed the near 1000 mile ride aged 16. Being a keen cyclist myself I have often wondered in awe at their achievement and would now like to follow in their footsteps and attempt the feat myself. This is a major challenge in itself but as I have suffered for nearly 3 years with foot pain (bursitis and nerve damage) it will give me a massive sense of achievement if I can conquer the 1000 miles, 45,000 feet of climbing (1 ½ times the height of Everest!), my injury and most importantly achieve my fundraising target.

I have chosen to raise money for the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity (www.raysofsunshine.org.uk (Reg. Charity No. 1102529)) having been inspired by the story of 18 year old Alice Halstead whom I heard interviewed on Radio 5 Live back in November 2009. Alice was a fit 16 year old when she started to become ill and was eventually diagnosed with a form of diabetes, so rare, that she is the only sufferer of this disorder globally. Alice has had to live for 2 ½ years in hospital as she has to have hourly checks of her blood sugar levels. Can you imagine being so young and not being able to leave a hospital bed? You can read more of Alice’s story on http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1229176/Girl-forced-spend-EVERY-night-hospital-developing-unique-diabetic-condition.html or http://www.alicehalstead91.moonfruit.com/#/alices-background/4536568899 .

Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity exists to help grant the wishes of children who are living with serious or life-threatening illnesses between the ages of 3-18 who live in the United Kingdom. With our help they and their families can experience the joy and excitement of doing something they've only ever dreamt of before. In Alice’s case she was afforded a trip to London to see the Lion King. A major logistical feat for one so ill.

I am a very proud parent of 3 happy and healthy kids. As a family we often have great experiences but I know we take too many of these for granted. That’s why I want to raise money for this great cause and make a difference for children less fortunate than my own.

So how can you help? I am going to print the company logos of businesses that sponsor me on my cycle jersey. The shirt will be worn on all fundraising events, PR opportunities and on the ride itself which will constitute around 80 hours of riding.If you would like to support me then please send me a cheque made payable to ‘Rays of Sunshine’ by Friday May 28th The deadline is tight to allow me time to get the jersey designed, printed and then to allow maximum exposure time for your company logo as I PR the event in the summer. In addition if you would like to personally sponsor me then you can visit www.justgiving/Martin-Sunshine-Ride and do so there.I hope you feel inspired reading Alice’s story and are prepared to act by supporting me with my epic challenge. I know that with your help I can make a difference for the children supported by Rays of Sunshine.Please feel free to ask me any questions that you should have.