UPDATE

Hello everyone

As you may have picked up from reading my information, I ended up in hospital after taking part in the London Marathon. This time I decided to do things in reverse and so I have been in hospital suffering from firstly a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) and then not being the sort of person to do things by half measures and having just been discharged, I revisited STAFFORD hospital A&E (not the best place to be in at the moment!) and was re-admitted with a PE (pulmonary embolism) which I am now recovering from.

This has obviously meant my training has had to take 2nd place to my recovery. I have been advised by the people in the know that in no uncertain terms am I to even attempt to do the whole of the Tour de Force on my own. Therefore into the breach have stepped Ronny Carey, Trustee of CVOC (ex Irish International) and also the phenomenon known as Matt Ferguson our National RFU Tag Rugby Development Officer, both of whom will be taking over some of the stages on my behalf. I will still be accompanying all volunteers whether it be on my bike or in the support vehicle. I hope this doesn't deter anyone from supporting this mammoth fundraising event.

Thanks to all the volunteers who have come forward so far who have offered to cycle sections with us, organised accommodation etc. Without your support this event would not be able to take place.