Real People Making A Real Difference
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....real people..making a real difference
....real people..making a real difference
Walk for Marian 2008....over £2,300 raised
....real people..making a real difference
....real people..making a real difference
News Page
Snooker players came out on top of the pool experts in a clash of the cuemen in Trowbridge.
Trowbridge Snooker Club A Challenge The Dursley A Team
Players from Trowbridge Snooker Club challenged the Dursley Arms pool team to a charity pool match and ran out 7-3 winners.
And after the match there were no excuses from Trowbridge Pool League chairman Russ Matthews, who organised and played in the match.
"Fair play to the snooker boys, they were very good and hardly missed a shot all night," he said.
"I don't think we will be challenging them to a snooker match in return, but there is talk of a second pool challenge next year and the snooker players are now thinking of putting a team in the pool league.
"We were well beaten, but the main thing was we raised over £460 for Macmillan Cancer Support."
Winners - Trowbridge Snooker Club A - The event raised a massive £463.00 !!!!
A Big Big THANKYOU to all those pictured below for an outstanding effort........!!!
The 15-year-old Clarendon School pupil had his head shaved as part of a fundraising evening at the Dursley Arms. Dan joined in to raise money in memory of his grandfather, who died of cancer last year.
The event was one of several organised by the Trowbridge and District Pool League Chairman Russ Matthews and his wife Dom, for their annual charity fundraising night, where all teams are asked to run an event in their own pubs to raise money for charity.
Dan's brave action raised more than £350 which will go to the Macmillan Nurses a very BIG THANK YOU Dan!!!
The evening raised another £650 which will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and another charity.
Dan's father Russ Matthews, who is chairman of the Trowbridge Pool League, said: "It was a great night and my thanks go to everyone at the Dursley Arms who supported it”.
"An auction for a canal trip on charity flagship “Cypry” raised £200 and the men from the pool league took on the ladies' darts team and managed a 5-5 draw."
Young Dan's efforts also inspired pool player Tim Rose to offer to have his head shaved and moustache removed if regulars stomped up £40. His impromptu offer raised £160 Well done Tim and
THANK YOU!!!.
Ray - Dursley Arms
Donated his winnings from England v Wales Rugby Pontoon on Saturday 2nd February
THANK YOU RAY!!!
.....at least some good came out of the 6 Nations !!!!
Over 40s Ride – We did it!
The aim was 42 Counties in 48 travelling hours at an average of 40mph by 10 motorcyclists all over 40 years old.
We actually managed all 42 counties in a little over 52 travelling hours. The difference was mainly due to there being a bit of a discrepancy between what Autoroute 2007 reckoned and actual road miles. Autoroute said it was 1450 miles and we actually covered some 1690 miles and still maintained our 40mph average, apart from over the final mile, which was walked in full bike gear as part of the RAF Cranwell Macmillan Mile Event. There were no failures of man or machine and everyone got home safely – what more could you ask for?
The ride set of from RAF Cranwell College Hall at mid-day on Thursday the 26th of June, waved off by the Station Commander, RAF Cranwell, Group Captain Nick Wharmby and the Mayor of Sleaford Cllr George Grout.
The route was basically clockwise around the country but with a bit of a ‘dink’ around the midlands in order to take in the Northampton, Rutland and Leicestershire counties. On leaving RAF Cranwell we initially travelled east along the A17 and then south through to Wisbech, where we were met by the Mayor Cllr Jonathan Farmer, Macmillan Cancer Support Representative Elsa Potter and a magnificent reception committee.
This set the tone for the rest of the stops throughout the whole ride. Tea and cakes were provided at many of the stops and this turned out to be a bit of a double edged sword. Whilst the tea, coffee, cakes etc. were very welcome they did knock a hole in the scheduled duration of 15 minutes stops per county. This soon became 20–25 minutes where refreshments were provided. Obviously this delay had an effect on subsequent stops throughout the day and along with the odd M25 accident and road works meant that we actually were significantly behind schedule by the end of the day and ended up missing out on visiting some of the Mayors. We still passed though the counties though.
The journey was brilliant and the kindness and generosity of people we met was fabulous. At one point, whilst waiting at a set of traffic lights in Oxford, the car in front of me beeped her horn and waived me alongside. Once there, she handed me a £5 note through the window. If you’ve ever tried to get a £5 note into your pocket, whilst wearing motorcycle gloves, whilst wearing a safety helmet, whilst the lights are changing and you are holding everyone up, you will understand why I spent the next 5 miles with a £5 note gripped tightly between my teeth - a very strange sight when greeted by the Lord Mayor of Oxford!
The ride it self was not supposed to be a fund-raising event as we had obtained sponsorship, both commercially and from friends and family, before setting off but we still managed to receive donations totalling over £550 along the way. Most came from Mayoral donations and events held prior to our arrival but also the odd pound or three donated by passing members of the general public who just happened to be around when we arrived in Town!
Highlights of the event had to be the free Cornish pasties donated by the Duchy of Cornwall’s Estate (the ones we couldn’t eat at the time ended up in a box in one of my panniers for later! Mmmmm! ! ). The magnificent Guard of Honour provided by 79 Squadron, Air Training Corps cadets at Whitchurch in Shropshire and the whole team being presented to the people of Trowbridge when we took part in the Towns bi-annual Trowbridge Community Spotlight event are just a few that spring immediately to mind.
The Trowbridge stop was also the one of the more ‘challenging’ episodes. On our way from Bridgewater to Trowbridge I had a phone-call from my wife saying that the Trowbridge Bed & Breakfast place had 
been
on the phone asking why we had not turned up the night before. When told that it was tonight we were booked in for they said they were fully booked for the rest of the week. This left us with no overnight accommodation and everywhere full with Glastonbury Music Festival folk! Fortunately Alan Cane, who runs the Lady in Red – Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising group for Wiltshire, also phoned me to see how we were getting on and I told him of our problem. By the time we arrived in Trowbridge he had sorted out beds for the whole team in just three different Hotels. Local knowledge is a wonderful thing. On getting back home and double checking it transpired that we had booked the correct date but the B&B had written it down wrong in their diary!
It was also quite amazing that, having unwittingly timed the ride to coincide with Wimbledon and Glastonbury, we only got wet twice. First time was a very light shower just after leaving Winchester on the second day and a real, but short, downpour on the road from Oakham to Leicestershire on day three. Apparently the rain was really heavy and lasted most of that day but I think we were lucky and just managed to ride through the outer edge of the main storm.
The arrival back at RAF Cranwell was excellent and we were only 1 minute late – which after nearly 1700 miles wasn’t too bad. We were again greeted by the Station Commander, the Mayor and Mayoress of Sleaford, off-duty station personnel and Children from local Schools who were waiting to take part in the Macmillan Mile event and to be mentioned, in his address, by the Commandant of the Royal Air Force College, was superb.
Obviously, there are a lot of people to thank when you attempt an event like this, The Fuel Card Company, one of our main sponsors, were brilliant and, aside from providing us with an Agency fuel card that made refuelling all the bikes in one go a real breeze, they also provided us with details of every petrol station along our route; arranged a ‘charges free’ account for us; and are making a significant donation towards the cost of our fuel. Which is really good when you consider we used nearly £1500 of fuel altogether.
Other major sponsors included SERCO, RAF Cranwell, who gave their personnel paid special leave to complete the event along with £500 towards the event costs and the Argra Indian Restaurant in Sleaford who also gave us a donation of £250 towards our event costs.
At the time of writing, we have raised in the region of £17,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support and you can still make a donation on line at www.justgiving.com/over_40s_ride up until the end of August.
The current thinking, by the team, is that we will be making the Cheque presentation to Gemma Dixon, Macmillan Cancer Support Fund Raising Manager for Lincolnshire, at the beginning of August. Which, for those of you who have met me, is also when I intend having a sponsored beard and head shaving with monies raised also going to Macmillan! Any monies that come in after that will be paid direct to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Finally, a really big thank-you to the Team:
Martin and Jan Tomlinson, Steve Read, Pete Brown, Bernie Haws, John Wheater, Peter and Maggie Woodcock, Nigel Macdonald and Pauline Steele (she rode all the way from Inverness and back again just to take part in this event). Our Base Support Director, Al Watt who remained at home for the whole duration and was the main point of contact between the riders and the outside world.
A special mention must go to the Charity Widows – the wives, girlfriends and partners who have heard nothing but ride, routes, fuel, accommodation, who, when, where, what and how for the past eight months that it has taken to organise.
How do I feel now? This started in November of 2007 as a trip to Cornwall for 4 blokes, a kitten if you will. It grew into a tiger whose tail I had a tentative, one-fingered, grip of at times. I’ve now let go and it hasn’t bitten me yet – but there’s still time! ! ! !
Very Many thanks to all our supporters
Steve Freemantle
Event Organiser
Over 40s ride (2008)
Why You Should Be Dancing with Russ
By Charley Morgan
A ONE-MAN Bee Gees tribute act from Trowbridge will be helping to raise money for a worthy cause when he takes to the stage later this month.
Russ Matthews, from Bradley Road, will be playing to audiences with a very special piece of memorabilia at the Lady In Red Ball in the Civic Hall on Saturday September 27.
The guitar he will use for his act was signed by Bee Gee Robin Gibb last week and has become the dad-of-three's prized possession.
Last Sunday Russ was able to attend a charity garden party at his idol's home.
The 46-year-old said he had scored an invite to the function in aid of English Heritage and recognising Second World War bombers through one of his talent agents.
He said: "I did get the opportunity to talk to him and he was a very laid back and so I asked to have a photo taken with him.
"I told him that I had a tribute band and I had brought my guitar on the off-chance and that it was in the car.
"I asked him if he would sign it and he said he would and he was very friendly."
Russ said that after Mr Gibb signed the guitar a professional photographer, who had been taking pictures nearby asked if he could buy it from him.
He said: "The photographer told me that the value of the guitar would have increased six fold with the signature.
"I am going to use it on stage, but I am going to see how it goes as I don't want the signature to rub off.
"But I will be using it at the ball."
Russ, who has been a professional singer since the 1990s has been impersonating the Bee Gees since going to their last concert in England at Wembley Stadium in 1999.
Despite the fact the Bee Gees were a three piece band, the one man act makes sure he supplies all the harmonies needed by pre-recording a backing track depending on which brother he is impersonating on stage.
Since meeting Robin Gibb he has written to the star asking him if he and his wife Dwina would like to attend the charity ball in Trowbridge.
He said: "I appreciate that he probably won't take the offer up, but there is no harm in asking.
"I think having someone like that in the area would cause a mass panic among fans."
Russ, who lives with his wife Dom, said his two youngest children have both shown musical talent.
He said his 15-year-old son even acts as a roadie when he is taking his act round the country.
Russ offered his services for the Lady In Red Ball, which is being held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support from 7pm on Saturday, September 27 in Trowbridge Civic Hall.
Tickets are £50 and include a three-course meal, live music and a charity auction and raffle.
For details visit www.theladyinred.info or call Alan on (01225) 776336 or 07971 007446.
(Taken from the original article published in the Wiltshire Times -18th Septmeber 2008 )
Lady in Red ball raises £4k
By Charley Morgan
THE second annual Lady In Red charity ball raised in excess of £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support last Saturday.
The ball was held for the first time last year in memory of 54-year-old Marian Cane, who died from cancer in January 2007.
Her dream had been to go to a ball wearing a red dress like Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind and so her widowed husband and family decided to hold the ball in her memory.
Earlier this year, the ball's organising committee were made the Macmillan Cancer Support Committee for the Trowbridge area.
The ball, held at the Civic Hall in Trowbridge, started with a Champagne reception followed by guest speaker Leanne Grose, who spoke about her experience of having her leg amputated after doctors found a tumour in it.
Alan Cane, of Sorrel Close, Trowbridge, said: "It went extremely well. We had a very good speaker in Leanne Grose talking about her experience. She is a wonderful person - a spectacular person to speak to."
After this there was a formal three-course dinner, an auction and a raffle followed by live music and dancing.
Mr Cane added: "We had Russ Matthews and his one-man Bee Gees tribute act which was brilliant. he even played on a guitar he had recently got signed by the Bee Gee Robin Gibb."
Also playing was local bands Gypsy and the Blues Floozies, playing a combination of jazz and blues music.
Mr Cane said: "We haven't got the final amount we raised yet, but it is definitely in excess of £4,000.
"Last year was the first year we held the ball and it was much more emotionally driven because it was my late wife's dream to do something like that.
"We decided to carry it on and we are now the local Macmillan Cancer Support committee. We have had such a buzz back from so many people - even emails from as far away as Brazil."
For more information visit www.theladyinred.info
( Taken from the Original article published in the Wiltshire Times - 12:58pm Friday 3rd October 2008 )
It was very difficult to pick out our Heroes of the week, as the generousity and support shown by all who attended our Annual Charity Ball this year was quite simply - amazing.
However, we have been let into a little secret and informed of some 'back alley' dealing, which has raised even more money for The Lady In Red and Macmillan Cancer Support.
It would seem that during the after hours party at the Dursley Arms, one of our winning bidders during the Auction - a Mr Ray Wilkins - was approached by another of our guests - a Mr Dave Powell, and was propositioned as to his intentions for his new aquisition - The Large Cuddly Bear. It would seem that Mr Powell had plans of his own for the prize, as gift for his baby grandaughter Phoebe.
The two started negotiations and after a grueling 2 minutes a deal was struck. Mr Ray Wilkins presented his terms - he would consider the deal at a cost of £80 providing all monies passed over in the transaction would be placed in the Charity bottle - to go directly back to The Lady In Red, Macmillan Cancer Support. Mr Powell agreed to these terms and the deal was closed. This now means that The Large Cuddly Bear raised an astounding £200 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
A very big thanks to both Ray and Dave !!!
Follow this link to see all Winning Bids on the evening
Heres how it works..............
Thank You Victoria !!
Marketing Manager for Virgin Media - Victoria Smith, did a fantastic job in collecting no less than three items for sale in our Charity Ball Auction this year.
She managed to collect for us - two fantastic mobile phones and also a Nintendo DS Lite. These items sold for a total of £320 on the night, with all money going directly to Macmillan Cancer Support.
However it doesn't end there. It's possible that Virgin Media may agree to match the money raised from the sale of these items - pound for pound.
This means that Victoria will have raised an amazing £640 ! for The Lady In Red and Macmillan Cancer Support. A Big thanks to Victoria and to Virgin Media for their generous and continued Support.
Why? Because we can....Why? Because we care
Our 46 hour marathon Collectathon came to it's finish at 10.00pm Saturday night outside Trowbridge Tesco. The generousity of the shoppers in Trowbridge over the past two days has been fantastic. This two day event alone has raised £1,740.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support and we can only declare this as a resounding success!!
The 46 hour 'collectathon' started at 1 minute past midnight on Friday morning. Our Chairman and Co Founder - Alan Cane - started the proceedings and was camped out at the front of the Trowbridge SuperStore through the night, and was relieved at 8.00 am after a massive 8 hour stint on the stall. Throughout Friday the shoppers came in their droves and by the end of our first 24 hours we had collected over £500.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Friday came and went, and we then started to see the care and generousity of Tesco Saturday Shoppers. By 11.00 am on the Saturday morning, we had already matched the amount raised on Friday and had raised an astounding £1,000.00. However the shoppers kept coming, many of them stopping to chat and voice their support for the Macmillan Nurses and how they had touched and helped them in their lives and for others close to them. Large SuperStores can sometimes be a very lonely place as we all bumble along collecting our weeks shopping or browse for goodies and gadgets. However we learned over these 46 hours. that behind many faces their are compelling and personal stories to tell, as the reality of Cancer touches the lives of many of us.
Parents stopped with their children, and shoppers of all generations stopped to donate and add to the ever increasing total raised for Macmillan Cancer Support. by 4.00 pm we had raised an amazing £1,400.00 - and we still had another 6 hours to go !!!
This is all thanks to the teams of volunteers who all did their very big part during the 46 hours, selflessly giving up their time to stand outside the SuperStore collecting and chatting with Tesco customers. So a very, very big thank you to all who took part over the two days - without you this would not have been possible. Also a big thanks to Tesco, who provided not only the opportunity for this to happen but also for providing hot drinks throughout the marathon collection and also helping by keeping a very close eye on our volunteers during the 'quieter' hours throughout the night. Last but not least - a very big thank you - to all of the shoppers who showed their support and gave so generously.
The mammoth 46 hour 'collectathon' ended at 10.00 pm last night ( Saturday ) and the final total raised was an amazing - £1,740.00 !!!!!!!!! . It is fair to say that this figure has far surpassed our expectations and we are quite simply overwhelmed by the support shown during this 46 hour period. This is an excellent and significant amount of money to collect - and all going directly to Macmillan Cancer support.
Watch this space......who knows what will come next?.........72 hour non stop collection outside Sainsbury on stilts????...who knows?....because we care....and if we can....we will.
Pirates of the 'Can-of-beer-in'
Winner of our Charity Ball raffle prize for a day out on Cypry complete with a meal at the Cross Guns - Charlie, took to the water with his motley crew earlier this month.
Able Seamen Dave, Colin, Russ and Ray - joined by their Captain Charlie along with helmsman and navigator Alan Cane, took to the water for a day of high jinks and adventure.
After rescuing another craft in distress ( Ray saved the day by boarding the craft port side and bringing her home ), they stopped for a hearty meal and some 'liquid refreshment' at the Avoncliff local watering hole ( Kevin Spacey was unfortunately away on business ), the crew of the Cypry then sailed the vessel back to home shores safely and responsibly. All of the crew members have shown fantastic support for The Lady In Red over the past year and a half and they all deserve a big thanks.
Pictures of the days events will be added to our gallery very soon.
The Lady In Red Wacky Races 2008
Apologies to all for the time taken to get this article written as it has been almost a month since the first Lady In Red ‘ Wacky Races’ event took place in November.
The racers gathered in the car park outside the West Wiltshire County Council offices on a bright ( and crisp ) Sunday morning. They were all flagged past the start line by our Chairman and Co Founder Alan Cane, assisted by Keith Taylor.
The initial idea for the Wacky Races came from Keith and he was a huge help on the day, not only in respect of marshalling the more remote checkpoints ( Longleat ) but he also managed to raise two of the three prizes up for grabs on the day !!
On the day we had 11 racers in total, each leaving at 2.00 minute intervals across the starting line, and it wasn’t long before the front of the pack started arriving at the first checkpoint, the Abbey Museum in Lacock.
At each checkpoint , the teams collected the clue to their next destination, in addition to each clue they were also given a side mission to complete to earn themselves more points to be added to their final score. They were also each given a start pack which contained a celebrity picture quiz ( if you would like to have a go yourself – click here to see the quiz ) and also a photo challenge. The photo challenge was a choice challenge ‘ Drink or Drive’ the challenge being to take photographs of either – 5 x Particular Pub Signs, or 5 x Particular cars as specified. The total of both challenges represented an additional 15 points to add to their final score.
Points were also awarded for best times with the fastest gaining the most points in the time trial section of the race
The team with the most points when all the above were added together was the winner!
There was also an opportunity to lose points as well. With each new clue, teams were also given a sealed envelope ( Their ‘Panic Button’ ) – should they feel completely lost and want to make up time, they could open their ‘Panic Button’ which would reveal the location of the next checkpoint.
As the race gathered pace the competition got fierce and the marshals almost struggled to keep up with the racers as they travelled the mystery route. A route which took them to Lacock, Christie Miller Sports Centre in Melksham, The Barge at Seend, Westbury White Horse, Longleat, Farleigh Hungerford, Frome Cheese and Grain, Claverton Down Dogs Home, The Tythe Barn in Bradford on Avon and eventually back to the Dursley Arms to cross the Finishing Line.
In the true spirit of the Wacky Races, there was some skull duggery and sabotage afoot between the teams ( Martin White – we know who you are! ), but every team made it around the course safely back to the Dursely Arms.
As the final racers arrived and the points were added together to give final positions, the competitors were treated to a Disco and hot dogs in the main bar of the Dursley Arms.
Then came the final results....the top three positions were called out over the Disco and the final results and prizes went to the following :
1st place : Fryer Huck and The Merry Maids - 48 Hours test drive in a Toyota car of your choice ( Donated by Toyota Platinum Trowbridge )
2nd Place : Toyota Dream Team – Full car valet ( inside and out ) carried out at your home
3rd Place : Turbo Terrific – Genuine NEW HOLLAND all weather jacket.
The winners then took their place on the ‘Winner Podium’ in the beer garden, where they were joined by all the other competitors to celebrate their success.
In addition to their prizes, they were each awarded a medal, after which there was a liberal soaking of Champagne in true race tradition.
After the ceremony competitors stopped on for a dose of Karaoke and charity raffle, which only ended when the last of the gathering finally left on the Sunday evening.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the day ( the feedback from competitors seemed very positive ) and are now planning a bigger and better event for next year. So if you like the sound of what you hear, make sure you get yourself all geared up for next year’s event details of which will be found on this website next year.
A big thanks to all those who took part and a special thanks to Keith Taylor – not only for the original idea, but also for raising the prizes for second and third place. A big thanks to Ron Smith – sales manager for Toyota Platinum Trowbridge for the very kind donation of First prize for the event ( and continued support and donation at this year’s Charity Ball ). And another big thanks to Matt and Rachel, for once again helping us stage this event and the after party at the Dursley Arms. This event raised over £270.00 for Macmillan Cancer Support –so a big cheer, for all those who helped make this happen.
For a full list of team results and final positions click here. To return to our home page click here.
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For their constant and continued support.....
Congratulations on the birth of your new baby boy Max - from the committee of The Lady in Red and a big THANK YOU for your continued support.
Matt and Rachel - Landlord and Landlady of The Dursley Arms, Trowbridge have over the past year played host to many of our fund raising events and both Matt and Rachel are always offering their help and support, never asking for anything in return.
With their support and also that of the regulars at The Dursley Arms, we have managed to acheive much, much more than we ever could have done, without their input, help and good humour.
Charity pool matches, karaoke and quiz nights are just a few of the fantastic fundraising events we have been able to organise ...and all thanks to these two.
So please join us in saying a big THANKS and group hug for this outstanding couple !
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our supporters from The Lady in Red - Macmillan Cancer Support Committee
...okay..so it's been a long time coming as this piece should have been written a couple of weeks ago. What can I say ...we're all very busy ( I know ...no excuse but what can you do...just can’t get the staff these days ).
It all kicked off early ( Helen and Martin...you know who you are ) with the first to register leaving for Avoncliff at 8:45 am. After that the walkers came to register thick and fast and by 9:30 am everybody has been registered and they were all well on their way to the Cross Guns in their droves. I have to say it was a fantastic response this year ( not to say we can’t better it next year ). We had over 70 walkers raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support on the day...which is a brilliant turn out and show of support.
Moored up in Bradford on Avon was our glorious leader Alan and his lovely partner Avril. Handing out water and biscuits and sweets to the walkers as they passed on route to the halfway point. Sitting on the canal in our flagship canal boat Cypry. Cheering on the walkers and collecting more money for the day from the general public, all generous enough to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Whilst I can’t personally vouch for this ( as I remained at the start point to count everybody back in again ) I understand that for those who had taken a leisurely pace, the Cross Guns was open for business and many stopped for some ‘liquid refreshment’ once they reached this half way point. Those that is who hadn’t stopped in at the Lock Inn for a bacon roll that is.
Once the front runners started back and Alan had them in sight, he started up Cypry and began navigating her back to the marina at Hilperton ( where it all began ). To head on and prepare for the weary walkers return at the Dursley Arms.
The first back – and who also deserve a special mention were Sam and Nathan, both of whom RAN THE ENTIRE COURSE....and completed the walk ( or run in this instance ) in 1 hour 40 minutes !!!
After them the walkers started to return to the marina having walked over 8 miles from Hilperton Marina to Avoncliff and back. All ready to join us back at the Dursley arms for Disco, hotdogs ( Which I have to say where incredibly popular ) and raffle.
The money raised on this day we estimate to be over £1,500 – which is an outstanding amount. Our thanks to all those who took part as the money they have raised will make a huge difference to those coping with Cancer or the loss of their loved ones to Cancer.
For all of those who took part in the event and have not yet managed to hand in sponsorship money, please do so as soon as you possibly can. The quicker we can get in the money raised – the sooner this can be used to help others.
Once again – a very big THANK YOU – to all those who took part and have helped us raise this incredible amount.
Also a very special mention for Matt and Rachel (The Dursley Arms ) who once again showed their support by allowing us to hold the after party in the pub ( and who also cooked all the hotdogs ).
Until next year..................
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Article by Richard Coppack 
I always new he was a bit mad, but one of my best friends has finally lost it I think.
My buddy Will Lunn, IT Consultant and the best drummer in the South West ( and further ) must have slipped his chain.
On Saturday the 2nd of May, Will starts his marathon bike ride from Lands End to John of Groats. Armed only with his bike and his determination, he will be attempting 70 miles a day at the start of his fund raising journey.
Why am I writing this article...well, because 50 percent of all monies raised through sponsorship on his ride will be donated to The Lady In Red - Macmillan Cancer Support. Will is riding to raise money for two good causes - he will be riding not only for The Lady In Red but also for The Kennet Gateway Club.
Please help us in getting behind Will 100 percent by visiting his Sponorship page here - 'Will's End to End'. You can donate online now and start making a 'Real Difference'.
Sponsorship forms should also soon be available for the ride, please ask for more infomation from Alan, Richard or The Dursley Arms.
Once he has set off - Will is keeping an online Blog of his day to day progress which we will be feeding back onto this website so you can all keep an eye on how he is doing and the money he has raised.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Will for his support. Dad would be very proud of you mate.
Please show your support by following the link above and donating as much as you can to make this whole mad trip a complete success.
UPDATE - 2nd MAY 2009
....and he's off
Will started at 10.00 am this morning on his ride to John O Groats.
The map below will be updated as he rides. Follow his progress with us and please, please visit his sponsorship page and show your support.
We will also be keeping up to date with Will via Twitter, and he will be keeping us up to speed with his progress as he goes. Take a look at his posts on the left and follow him on this gruelling journey !!
UPDATE - 9th MAY 2009 - He's Halfway there already !!!!
I spoke to Will this morning for the first time in a week and he seems in really good spirits. He is now half way through the journey and half way up the country.
He left Whalley this morning and is planning to get to Tebay by later today. I am hoping too catch up with him in Scotland next week - but at this rate he'll be way in front and I may need to pay a visit to Loch Ness myself (ooh scary monsters !!!).
Shortly after Bridgwater he was feeling the strain in one of his knees - but he is now all patched up with a knee restaint and was given some serious muscle relaxant and all seems okay again now. Apparently the only day of riding which ended with him feeling as if he couldn't even walk, was the stop over at Ludlow, but the cider in the residents bar at the B&B seems to have worked as a miricale cure - and all is good in the world again.
UPDATE - 15th MAY 2009 - He's DONE IT !!!
Will has arrived at John O Groats
I got word from Will at 9:02 pm after a very hard days cycling that he has finally made it to the finsh at John O Groats.
Apologies to all who have been following his progress and found the page stagnant for the last four days. I travelled up to Scotland this week and met up with Will whilst up there. Unfortunately the places I have stayed have no internet access - so the laptop I lovingly packed - was of little or no use to me.
I caught word from Will as I was on my way up - just as he left Edinburgh. By the time I had reached to border and into Scotland, he contacted me again to say he had settled for the evening in Dunkeld, on the border of the Scottish Highlands. After a further 75 mile drive - I managed to catch up with him in the Royal Dunkeld Hotel.
It was great to catch up with him and listen to the stories ( and there are quite a few ) as to what he has seen and experienced on his remarkable trip through the United Kingdom. I stopped over in the Hotel for the evening - and so we set forth putting the world to rights and bending the ear of the landlord and owner until 1.00 O'Clock in the morning - when we finally through in the towel.
7 hours later and both nursing some serious hangovers - we once again both went our separate ways. Will carried on up into the Highlands on his bike, whilst I travelled back down to Edinburgh and the stomach churning Forth Bridge.
I have yet to speak to Will since he got to the end of his journey - but would like to thank him not only on behalf of The Lady In Red but also personaly for undertaking this mammoth ride in the effort to raise money to help others. Previous indications may have been a little subtle for most so can I please ask you to
SPONSOR HIM NOW [CLICK THIS LINK]
There will be more to follow ..but I have just driven for over 10 hours today and my mind is a little frazzled....until then......
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