My Activity Tracking
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kms
My Story
Starting on 3 June I will be cycling 840 miles across France, from The Channel to The Med over 10 days, including The Massif Central and the famous Mount Ventoux. This mileage is slightly less than Lands End to John O'Groats but with much more climbing, equal to twice as high as Everest, it will be the hardest cycle challenge I have taken on. I definitely need added incentive as I lost virtually all of February and March's training time after suffering a back injury, and was so sore that I could barely walk.
Obviously, for me, this in memory of our baby daughter, Siobhan, who was stillborn when my wife, Jo, was 42 weeks pregnant in January 1989. When Siobhan died I vowed to make something positive from the trauma and tragedy of her death. Today I am Chair of Essex Sands and a Befriender for Sands, attending regularly our monthly support meeting for bereaved parents and their families. Here, parents, often very recently bereaved, can come and share in a safe environment their feelings and find support from other parents who have been through similar tragic experiences.
I don't need a cycle challenge to remember Siobhan, as I think of her and those events many times every single day of my life. Through Sands I have had the immense privilege of meeting many wonderful bereaved parents and hearing of their traumatic experiences of their own baby loss. I have heard their babies' names and I remember so many of them. My heart breaks for them, as I know just how they are suffering, and it feels it will never end. So on my bike ride as well as Siobhan I will be thinking of all those beautiful little babies, their heartbroken Mums & their Dads trying to cope, be brave and just get his family through this nightmare. By thinking of them all they will be helping me, they will be my inspiration. I have seen first hand their pain and their bravery, their fear and their determination, and their need to find hope. To arrive at the destination at the end of my ride in the city of Nice will be to honour Siobhan and each and every one of those babies and their parents.
I know from our own experience that with good support, care and time parents can find a new path in life and learn how to live with their own tragedy. Sands provides exactly this support with Groups like ours throughout the UK. Indeed Sands is not simply a lifeline after baby death as very importantly Sands campaigns for change, provides training for midwives and healthcare professionals and supports research so fewer babies die and less families experience this tragedy. If you can support Sands, and give me a huge boost of encouragement. I would be so very very grateful.
Thank you x
My Achievements
Increase your fundraising target
Added a profile picture
Self donated
Shared page
First donation
Received 10 donations
Reach fundraising target
Thank you to my Sponsors
£259
Paul Moran
£200
John
Sending you good vibes, strong legs and a wind at your back. Love John, Claire, Amelia & Joe xxxx
£107
Ed
Dear Fix It, What a fantastic challenge to undertake, and for a great cause. All our thoughts & best wishes will go with you every pedal. Brilliant Brian! Ed, Lizzie & familyxxxxx
£107
Kelly-jane & Rhiann Patel
That’s a huge challenge to undertake and we wish you the best of luck!
£100
Una, Regis And The Girls
Bri. Such a brave beautiful challenge. Enjoy it, carrying the heart of Siobhan with you. Rooting for you. Una Regis Louise Ines and Eva
£100
Gav & Julie Bailey
Go Fix - it'll be so much easier now you haven't got the weight of relegation bearing down on your shoulders! You'll piss it - your the best. we'll be following you all the way
£100
Derek Pettet
Good luck Brian, that’s a long way! Must be like chasing one of Mickey Locks passes ‘have there’ or Frank doing doggies! Cheers Del
£100
John Nicholls
Names like Massif Central & Ventoux are right up in the pantheon of the Tour de France. To have one of my best mates attempt this feat at our age is nothing less than awesome. Given your training schedule, determination and passion for the cause... if anyone can pull this off you can Fix it! Bon chance mon ami! 🇫🇷🚴♂️
£53.32
Big
So proud of you Fix. There can be no doubt that Siobhan English is the person I would most like to have met x
£50
Ed Cleary
Good luck Brian ! Great effort and commitment as always. Much love from us both, Sue and Ed xx
£50
Jo English
Well done Bri - I know you are doing this for Siobhan and all the little babies in our family who are not with us today. Come home safely! xx
£50
Tom D
I aspire to have anywhere near as impactful retirement as you Brian. Your cycling challenge's are truly amazing and Siobhan could only be proud of her dad. When are you going round the world ?
£32.23
Gill & Mick
Good Luck. All the best Brian, such a good cause and one so close to you and Jo. From both of us Gill & Mick xx
£32.23
Alan Davis
Well done for all the support that you give to the charity
£28
Buddy
Good luck Bri, you’ll smash it! COYS!!!
£28
Paul Cockerill
£28
Peter And Mandy Jones
Brian - good luck with your "Tour de France " see you when you get back
£28
Fran And John
Go for it Brian!
£28
Matt Hendrie
What a legend you are mate, for a great charity. Smash it Brian💙
£28
Calvin Sandcraft
£27.05
Tony Rose
£22.80
Bella Sandcraft
Well done Brian, especially after your back injury. We are in awe of what you are doing and will be totally cheering you on!
£21.84
Nick Dackombe
Hope all goes well Brian, you’ve worked hard for this one buddy 🔥
£21.84
John Kirby
Good luck Brian
£20
Sarah Hales
Good Luck Brian!
£20
Zoe, Nicky & Tim
Allez, allez, allez!
£20
Figgy!!
The hardwork is done! Enjoy the ride mate!!
£17.10
Éva Maignan
You’ve got this Brian and I’ll be cheering you on from afar!! Loads of love and such a great cause xx 👊👊
£17.10
Abby & Dave Ridgewell
Siobhan would be so incredibly proud of you ⭐️
£16.56
Julia Munns
Good Luck Brian Our not so little angels will be cheering you on! xx
£15
Matildas Family
You're doing a great thing Brian! Its a real joy to hear you speak about your daughter Siobhan and I am glad to know about her through you.
£11.55
Eric & Nancy
Another remarkable challenge like we know you! Stay strong, all the best & success!
£11.55
Kevin Holt Kevin Holt
Good luck Sir Kind regards Kevin & Kerry Holt Hannahs parents.
£11.55
Julia Munns
Love the water bottle idea !
£11.33
Stiggers
Fantastic work mate. ‘Enjoy’ the ride. COYS 🤍💙
£10
Colin & Ellie Day
Siobhan’s Dad, the cycling legend 🚴🤩 Thank you for all you do 💗💙🤍 Enjoy the ride!
£10
Lexi And Sean
Good luck Brian! Thank you for all that you do for everyone, Siobhan will be so proud of you.
£10
David
The very best of luck Brian,. Know how much this cause means to you personally and the challenge you’ve had to get to the grand depart! Courage mon brave! X
£5
Leila Hobart
In memory of Oscar thank you for taking him on this amazing adventure with you
Fix It, I have been so impressed by your determination and commitment to get back on your bike and take on a tough training regimen when you could barely walk. You deserve to have a brilliant time in France. Good luck on the ride!