Today 7/9/09.
The start of the London to Paris cycle ride began at Birmingham Children's Hospital 08.30. Wayne (Oliver's Dad), Oliver's uncle Richard and Steve, (James 's dad. Who has suffered from Leukemia) plus family and friends and Oncology staff met at the entrance to the hospital. Many photo's were taken by all as well as the Birmingham Evening Mail.
Once everyone was ready, the Clic Sargeants Ashley and Liz brought out the 99 pink balloons in memory of Oliver's birthday 9/9. Six of the balloons had respective photo's of Oliver, Richard, Harry, Jude, Jordannah & Connor attached, all of who lost their battle with this dreadful disease. Also a seventh balloon with a photo of Lewis (who is still fighting his battle) attached.
At 09.00 precisely they were released and off went the guys. There journey is about 110 miles from Birmingham to Croydon Aerodrome where the main leg of the run will start on Wednesday 9/9/09 (Oliver's Birthday). They will reach their first stop near High Wycombe at approximately 16.00 this afternoon.
We eagerly await their report and will post all info as it comes in.
Wayne just reported in from Stoken Church, and well 16.00 hours turned out to be a little optimistic they arrived at 19.00 hours, the ride took 6hours and 32 minutes, at one stage Wayne recorded a heart rate of 201 now I am no doctor but I'm guessing that's not good!!! must have been Edge Hill that's hard hill and as I understand a very steeeeeeep hill, they have travelled 84.8 miles and burnt off 6309 kcals I wonder what was on their dinner plates this evening? None the less they arrived eventually a little tied no doubt and some fresh blisters I'm guessing in the nether area well done boys lets see what tomorrow brings..
Take it easy Wayne ... see you on Wednesday morning. I'll have a bacon and egg sandwich with brown sauce, cup of tea with 7 sugars !! Save the legs as much as you can.
ReplyDeletep.s you lied about shaving your legs .... I feel rather foolish now ..... still my tights dont snag as much
Andrew
So pleased we were able to get down from the ward to see you off. It was lovely to see so many people there to start you off on your journey.
ReplyDeleteI will be following this blog every day.
Oli and Richard would be proud of you.
Would like to have seen the shaven legs Andrew.
Good luck to you all and have a happy and safe journey.
Love Gaynor
wishing Andrew, Wayne and Julia all the love, strength and support during the 2nd leg of this fantastic bike ride. you are amazing. well done also to Wayne, Steve and Richard who finished Birmingham Childrens Hospital to London ride today, you are brilliant.
ReplyDeleteyesterday at the hospital was a wonderful sight but also very emotional.
love you all.
Oliver and Richard will be willing you along every mile you pedal.
take care, safe journey and good luck. love Caz, Steve, James and Josh. XXXX