Every year I set myself a challenge and make sure this will benefit a charity of my choice. Last year I cycled from London to Brighton by night for the British Heart Foundation. It all came out of the blue really, as a colleague of mine lost his Dad as a result of a heart failure and I thought this would be a great way to show my support to him and his family and pay tribute to his father.
This year I have chosen to support Carefree Northants. Firstly because I think that the work this charity does is tremendous, supporting children with learning difficulties and their families.
Secondly, to pay tribute to my father who spent his working life dedicating himself to children and adults with learning difficulties. He spent the last years of his life developing a centre, a home if you like, with the handicapped people in mind and at the centre of the project. My father insisted that the residents must be part of the project with the architect and must have their ideas included in the design. A beautiful and inspiring project.
Sometimes we must get out of our comfort zone and push ourselves for the wellbeing of others.
The breakdown of my challenge will be as follow:
Day 1 – Departure at 7am from south east London towards Rochester and continue to Dover, then board the Ferry to Calais. Distance – 80 miles
Day 2 – Cycle to Arras through charming villages and along quiet country lanes. Distance – 78 miles.
Day 3 – Cycle Arras to Compiegne passing numerous war memorials and monuments of WWI – known as the Battle of the Somme. Distance – 73 miles.
Day 4 – Cycle Compiegne to Paris, and finish overlooking Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Gardens. Distance – 66 milesCelebratory meal.
Here is a link to my page fundraising page at Just Giving; the amount does not matter but your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much.
Matt Francoual
“Let us be anxious to do well, not selfish praise but to honour and advance the cause, the work we have taken up.” Florence Nightingale