Neil Symonds

Neil's Chamonix to Venice 2016 page

Fundraising for Kennedy's Disease UK KD-UK
€3,081
raised of €2,500 target
by 37 supporters
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Kennedy's Disease UK KD-UK

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1160793
We raise funds for research and awareness to have a future without KD

Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This is the BIG one, and I am taking it very seriously indeed. Training has started, and not a minute too soon, weighing in over the Xmas period just shy of 15 Stone or 95kg, the old pulling machine is putting a bit of a strain on my bike; (recommended maximum weight of 90kg).
Still for the winter training I’ve stripped down as much as possibly, making do with a line of floss to cushion my derriere. For the ride I’ve still got that wonderful yellow outfit although a little warn around the buttock area now, I tell you it’s still a sight to behold for anyone coming up my rear, and hence a real motivational tool for my riding mates.
With snow finally falling in the Alps the Turbo Trainer is in action, as is the old VHS video recorder, playing the classics from my thinner days. From The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day off, American WereWolf in London, Top Gun, Blind Date, Soul Man, About Last Night, Young Blood, St Elmos Fire, Cocktail, to the more up to date films of Rambo, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and The Big Lebowski, (I’ll add to these as I crack on with the training. I’m working my way backwards, half way through Snatch at the moment).
The reason for all this motivational telly action is because I am part of a great team of fellow athletes, in our prime and heading off in July to undertake the Everest of cycle rides, and it is for the greatest of causes; Kennedy's Disease UK. It’s a classic ride starting from Chamonix and ending in Venice which is in Italy, home of Rocky, Gladiator and the Italian Job. The charity is important for us too, affecting a dear friend and his family.

We've not been approached by any film producers for this Mission Impossible, but we’ll be posting a lot of You Tube bike action this year, and we're after sponsors to decorate our wonderful tops, and donations to help bring awareness for this often misdiagnosed disease. (Please look it up).
If I get to 2,500€ in donations, I’ll put away my little yellow licra number for an even more revealing outfit, which I will wear on the time trial classic the monstrous Stelvio pass which I will be attempting from both ends. God help anyone near me.
This is a quick summary of our 8 days in the saddle come July. (Just imagine how many films I will be watching to get me down to my ultimate riding weight of 12 Stone (77kg); not to mention all the floss!
Total distance- 1024 kms
- 22 major climbs
- over 20,000 metres of ascent, (that’s a lot of downs as well)
- biggest climb is 24.8 kms at a 7.5% average
- 2 days over 170 kms
All of us taking part are doing it off our own backs. My wife and daughter are coming, so a real nightmare on elm street for me.
If you don’t know about JustGiving, its really fast, safe, and secure - unlike my riding outfits.
Please do what you can, and keep sending those videos.

PS.  If you want a naked signed picture of me, leave a message with your donation!

About the charity

Kennedy's Disease UK KD-UK

Verified by JustGiving

RCN 1160793
Kennedys Disease UK was established to provide support for Kennedys Disease sufferers and to raise funding for research into this very debilitating and pernicious disease. The charity is entirely dependent on donations from the public, and from businesses, to fund its vital work.

Donation summary

Total raised
€3,080.33
+ €395.96 Gift Aid
Online donations
€2,830.33
Offline donations
€250.00

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