On Saturday 6th May 2017 Paul left his home in Ellistown along with his faithful Westie, Billy to meet up with Martin and Doreen (the support crew) who had spent the night at Hose Village hall. After a cup of tea and a muffin, Paul - a vision in Lycra - set off on his bike on albeit a grey, dull, cold and drizzly day with a strong easterly headwind - just great!
From Hose, Paul cycled through to Long Bennington where he became uncertain of his position and had to ask for directions. Uh oh lost already - two miles extra! On to Dry Doddington where Paul misplaced his location - another extra 3 miles!
On through Stubton, Cranwell, and Ruskington (a very windy stretch) to Tattershall where Liz and Dave were waiting in their Motorhome. After a change of top, a cup of tea, cheese sandwich and a fruit cake very kindly donated by Linda it was time for Paul and Dave to set off for Skegness.
Whilst Martin continued to follow the cyclists, Liz and Doreen drove their motorhomes to Skegness to prepare the welcome party!
The route took the cyclists on to Coningsby, Stickney and Frisney Wainfleet and then on to Skegness. There were some long exposed roads which, given that the weather was grey, dull, cold, drizzly and blowing a very strong easterly headwind, proved hard work indeed.
Doreen, Pam, Dave, Pam, Nev, Chris, Stan, Liz, Mary, Glenis and Pete (with Billy) made up the welcome committee that gave the cyclists an enthusiastic greeting at the Clock Tower despite the fact the it was pouring with rain! We think Chris's scream of welcome managed to scare half the Skegness townsfolk!!
Paul and Dave would like to thank Martin for his backup throughout the bike ride, Doreen for driving Paul's Motorhome to Skegness and everyone who has either sponsored or supported them. Between them they have raised an incredible £1,020; they are, justifiably, extremely proud of their success and we are very proud of them.
Their generous donation and hard work could pay for the cost of one of our specialist nurses for ten days. Thank you so much.
