In 1923 the Mount Everest pioneer George Mallory famously responded to the question “Why climb Mount Everest?”
He said simply, “Because it is there.”
If Mallory was undertaking the same challenge in 2011 his answer would be different.
He would likely reply, “For Cancer Research.”
Since Live Aid in 1985 the concept of doing something simply for the challenge has become less and less acceptable. It is seen increasingly as a ‘waste’ to embark on an undertaking simply for the joy of trying to complete it.
Although our trip was originally conceived only as a challenge, something to be undertaken for the sheer satisfaction of doing it, we all quickly succummed to the pressure not to ‘waste’ the opportunity to raise some cash for a worthy cause. After all, we had previous! In 2009 another of our challenges raised over £1600 for the MS Society (the main charity helping sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis). This year we hope to raise more with the help of business and individual sponsorships. And instead of limiting it to one charity we have decided each to nominate a charity, and to split all of the money raised equally between the four worthy causes.
Dean says: “I have known family and friends who have suffered with dementia and it is really an appalling way to be. I chose the Alzheimer’s Society because they are at the forefront of the battle against this horribly destructive condition and it should be a matter of priority that we understand, treat and ultimately cure this disease. It is easy for everyone to flippantly say, “If I ever get like that, then just shoot me.” but such words are hollow and offer no solution to those affected, nor to the loved ones left to cope. But the work done by the Alzheimer’s Society really does offer help and hope to all those close to this condition. Please sponsor us and help this worthwhile cause.”
Ian says: “Throughout the 1950′s and 60′s Britain carried out many tests of it’s then fledgling nuclear deterrant. Those tests were witnessed by over 22,000 service personnel, the vast majority of them national servicemen without any choice or knowledge about what it was that they were witnessing. Those tests helped to protect the United Kingdom from many threats throughout the years and the debt owed to the participants is immense. The BNTVA is the charity for all atomic veterans, and provides help and support to veterans and their families as well as education to ensure that the legacy of those who participated in the tests is not forgotten. Although it is a small charity it has an important role to play in ensuring that we do not ignore or forget the sacrifices made by the may servicemen who took part. I am proud to sit on the Board of Trustees for the BNTVA and I hope that you will help them continue their essential work by sponsoring our ride or even by joining the BNTVA itself. To find out more visit www.bntva.com.”
Carl says: “In 2008 I had the shock of my life when I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 38. Until then I had barely heard of the condition, which affects over 100,000 people in Britain. MS is an incurable condition (although treatments are effective in slowing the development of the disease) which affects the central nervous system, causing loss of feeling to muscles, numbness and fatigue. Although my MS is very much controlled for the present and I am able to behave relatively normally, I know that the JOG2LE ride will be especially difficult for me in light of my condition. But that will not stop me trying to complete the ride, and with your help contributing to the continued research undertaken by the MS Society into the causes of, and perhaps one day a cure for the condition.
Vince says: “Before the end of last year I had no idea what neonatal was let alone what they did. Since then we have been through this rollercoaster and luckily come out the other end with a healthy child (albeit one that cries and wakes you up in the middle of the night!) Without Portmouth and Poole neonatal unit I doubt we would be where we are today. For the care and support they have given us and our daughter I would like to do this ride for them. I hope that you will sponsor us and help raise money to continue the vital work of the neonatal unit and consequently be of help to other future parents”
