Many people have been bitten by the cycling bug. After the Beijing Olympics the number of organised bike events has rocketed. None more so than the annual Manchester 100. I, with the support of Stephensons, recently took on this challenge in aid of Joining Jack.
This Manchester 100 is a gruelling ride over the rolling roads of Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Participants could choose between the 100 km route or the more challenging 100 miles. The event was originally set up in aid of the Christie Foundation with over 4,000 riders partaking in the event every year. This year however saw a team of 500 riders also do the ride in aid of Joining Jack. With ambassadors such as Tour de France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins a bike ride seemed the right choice.
The Joining Jack charity was set up in aid of little Jack. The son of former Wigan Warriors player Paul Johnson, Jack was sadly diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This is one of the most common fatal genetic disorders to affect children around the world. Approximately one in every 3,500 boys worldwide is afflicted with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy with 20,000 new cases reported each year in the developed world. Joining Jacks aim is to find a cure for this disease.
I was supported by our firm in my vigorous training routine before the ride. Having chosen to do the 100 mile route, I had many miles to get in before the big day on the 1st September. With generous donations from the firm and also my colleagues, I was spurred on to complete the 100 miles in a time just under 6 hours.
It was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have ever done. I’m more used to running around a rugby pitch for 80 minutes so it was a little out of my comfort zone.
I and the Joining Jack charity would like to thank Stephensons for the generous support they have given to both the ride and the charity. With our help the 500 riders have now managed to raise over £80,000.
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