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Richard Percival was a good friend. He was younger and fitter than me, but he lost his life in February 2013 after having a stroke. His last days were spent in the care of the Neurological Department at Southampton Hospital and despite their very best efforts Richard lost his fight for life.

When we decided that something good might come out of Richard's death, we talked to the staff at Southampton Hospital and, having set up a fund-raising group in his memory, we committed to raising them enough to buy a portable CT head scanner.

The scanner will improve the quality of care that the amazing staff who look after patients like Richard will be able to provide.

One of our main fund-raising events involves a group of us cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats - a distance of not far short of 1,000 miles and a journey that will take 12 days! It's a tough challenge, but one we are committed to do and that's where you can help. We're doing it to raise money - lots of it!

If you feel you can support us, then please donate what ever you can afford. Your money will go straight to our appeal and ensure that we can buy this head scanner as soon as possible for Southampton Hospital.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Follow my adventure at www.roger.bike