Weaves81

Words famously shouted by Bob Geldof live on the BBC during Live Aid at Wembly after Queen had just finished an amazing set. Though of course he never actually said it, it's an urbam myth, a bit of folklore. He actually said "Fuck the address, let's get the numbers!", but if I put that as the title you'd have no idea what I was on about would you, and it wouldn't have the same impact now would it. So now I've got your attention hopefully you'll give me more sponsorship it worked for Sir Bob, well sort of.

At the end of June until the end of July I am taking part in several sporting events in aid of various charities.

I will be cycling 104 miles through the Cheviots, hopefully in under 7 hours, to raise money for the Elton John Aids Foundation .
I am taking part in the 5th Annual UK Forum Allstars Charity Ice Hockey Tournament, which this year takes place in Cardiff, to raise money for The Prostate Cancer Charity.
Finally a week later I will probably hobble around the Great North 10k.

Now I'm not expecting people to sponsor me for all three or even give money to both charities, that's why I have set up this page, so you can see what I'm up to and give to which ever charity you wish. Any amount would be very gratefully received and could make a difference to people living with, and help to prevent, these terrible diseases.

Virgin Money Cyclone 2012

30^th June 2012

As some of you many know, or may have guessed from the pictures, I took part in the Northern Rock Cyclone last year. It was my first ever, and so far only, sportive and I completed the 107 miles in 7:43:46. This year, on the 30th June, I am aiming to get that time down to under 7 hours. Exactly how realistic this is remains to be seen.

Virgin Money Cyclone - Route C - 104miles. A serious challenge for the more experienced cyclists or those who are very fit. The route is very hilly with 2374m (7789ft) of climbing. The route is very choppy with 8 significant climbs and the highest point is Troughend Common (340m), west of Otterburn in the Cheviot Hills. There are 4 feed stations on this route at Forestburngate, Elsdon, Wark and Stamfordham. Riders competing this distance will have the additional challenge of achieving Gold, Silver or Bronze Standard for their ride. The standards are set as follows:

Gold Standard-under 5hrs 40 mins
Silver Standard-5hrs 41 mins - 6hrs 30mins
Bronze Standard-over 6hrs 31mins.

So last year I wasn't going for a specific time, just to finish the race. This year I want to finish in under 7 hours which requires knocking at least 43 minutes and 46 seconds off last years time. It's going to be a big ask that will most probably involve missing out at least one and possibly 2 feed stations/rest stops along the way. Given that it's only 7 weeks to go and I've not been on my bike in months this is going to be extremely tough. Wish me luck and if you can give a little something to EJAF it would be much appreciated.

Forum Allstars Cardiff 2012

13^th - 15^th July 2012

The 2011 event in Sheffield raised over £12,500. These finds will be split between the five nominated charities. The UK Forums All-Stars weekend is back for a 5th edition of the fun-filled weekend where Ice Hockey fans from around the UK battle it out for bragging rights on and off the ice as to who raises the most money for their respective charities. The UK Forum All-Star returns this summer for a weekend celebration of hockey and friendship, and we head into the valleys as Cardiff hosts the 5th UK Forums All-Stars weekend.

Bupa Great North 10K

22^nd July 2012

The Bupa Great North 10k first took place in Sunderland in 2009 with 4,500 participants, and by 2010 it was already the biggest running event in the North East behind the Bupa Great North Run. In 2011 it moved to a brand new home, starting and finishing at Gateshead Stadium, the home of North East athletics, and taking in the fantastic sights of the NewcastleGateshead Quayside. Attracting thousands of runners every year, the Bupa Great North 10k is an exciting addition to the Great Run series of events, and the perfect warm-up for the Bupa Great North Run!