London to Paris Cycle Ride 2009 for LOROS

To Tie It Up Nicely .................

2010-01-24T17:35:00.001Z

Click on newsprint to enlarge and see all the pictures and print properly ...........

Picture of Lisa & Paul Goddard at Loros

2010-01-24T17:33:00.000Z

Picture of Lisa & Paul proudly handing over their cheque at Loros recently. :O)

Well Done Guys!!!! Fantastic Amount and thank you for supporting the guys all the way through with their challenge too! xxxx

Photo at Loros Hospice Presenting Cheque

2009-12-09T15:30:00.000Z

Left to Right: Danika Findley, Fay & Tony Findley, Nancy Taylor from Loros, Frank Ward, Pete Adcock & Val Cooper

The Proud Lads - Well Done!

Grand Total is Now In ................

2009-12-07T10:22:00.000Z

We all visited Nancy Taylor at Loros on Sunday evening and presented her with the rest of the money that we had collected. Photos were taken and hopefully we will get one on here for you to look at soon, and there will be something in the next Loros Newsletter, as well as the Leicester Mercury.

The GRAND TOTAL IS £12,603.56 !!!

This is a fantastic amount and we are all really proud to have been part of this. Nancy very kindly showed us around the hospice and explained what the money could be used for and we were all surprised at how modern and lovely the place is. Their 25 year official anniversary is next year and there will be lots of events taking place so please do visit their website and get involved or attend some events. Maybe you would like to take part in a challenge? The lads really enjoyed their London to Paris adventure and they said that there were people with a range of abilities and fitness taking part - so really anyone can do it.

Maybe you could arrange your own little event or instead of sending each other Christmas Cards this year at work or within your family - all donate instead and give to Loros? They really do a fantastic job there and provide so much love and care, and depend on so much help from the public by fundraising. They can take a maximum of 31 patients at any one time, and the age range is massive - we tend to think that only older people get really ill, but teenagers also stay and use the facillities at Loros.

One event that looks to be really special is the pantomime "Jack and the Beanstalk" at The Little Theatre in Leicester. Only a few tickets are left (£10 per person) - these are obtainable directly via the fundraising team at Loros on 0116 2318431 / 32 - The theatre have sold out of their tickets already. Dates are 18 December right up to 9 January 2010, but not all dates are available.

Again, a Big Thank You to all those who have supported, donated and helped in lots of ways. We couldn't have reached that total without you!

Have a Great Christmas and New Year

Best Wishes

Tony, Fay, Frank, Pete & Val

xxxxx

Thank You Trinity Stores, Trinity Marina - Hinckley

2009-12-07T09:57:00.000Z

Trinity Marina had a collection tin for us and we counted it up and they raised a brilliant £39.06 - Thank you to all the staff and customers at Trinity Stores in Hinckley!

They have also been supportive during the year and at their various events, have permitted us to put a Loros Collection bucket outside our boat for people to donate, and Pete took people for a look whilst he was fitting out.

Pete & Val

http://www.trinitymarinas.co.uk/

A Big Thank You to Caterpillar

2009-12-07T09:52:00.000Z

Great News!

Caterpillar who Tony works for ......... they have donated a £1,000 cheque to Loros towards the lads challenge.

This is a brilliant amount and very much appreciated. On behalf of all of us and Loros ....... a BIG Thank You!

Thank You Lisa Goddard

2009-12-03T16:23:00.000Z

A MASSIVE thank you Lisa and well done! You have managed to raise £700 + £500 community cashback via RBS for Loros ........... and you very kindly agreed to put this on our totals.

Lisa has certainly had a testing year. She has recently lost her mum, and I know it was such a short time from diagnosis to when she actually passed away at the hospice, that it was made even harder for her to come to terms with. Despite all this, she had decided she wanted to give something back to the hospice and starting fundraising almost immediately.

Lisa you are such a brave, caring and special individual. xxxxxx

Thanks to Susannah and John Reid

2009-10-23T17:12:00.006+01:00

Hi,
Just received a cheque for £50:00 from Susannah and John who are my daughter Toni's new employers, in High Wycombe Buckinghamshire.

Thank you for your kind donation this takes our total to £10,117:58.

Warm Regards to them both

Tony

£10,000 + for Loros

2009-10-18T20:03:00.003+01:00

Hi,
Have received more money from val and have added to our total
We have now raised £10,067.58
Continued thank you to everyone who has donated but a special big thanks to Val for her continued support and complete dedication to our cause.

Tony xxx

Just Giving Site ........

2009-10-15T13:55:00.000+01:00

....... Donations still coming in via our Just Giving Site ............ MASSIVE THANKS ALL!!!!

It is great to see so many people who are so supportive of what the lads have achieved and it has blown them away to see the kindness and help given to them.

We will continue until December ....... so hopefully we will top up the total a little more before then.

Take care .........

x

Thank You Glennis Wilcox from Shepshed

2009-10-15T13:47:00.000+01:00

A colleague of mine at the bank has donated the money she collected by doing our lottery bonus ball scheme - so Glennis has given £750 to LOROS. Glennis supports Loros heavily and carries out a lot of charity work, and it is a charity close to her heart after the sad loss of her husband Willy. She is a remarkable lady and on behalf of all of us - THANK YOU GLENNIS - what a star! (There will also be a £500 community cashback award to go with this in due course ...... so it's a fantastic amount onto our totals).

LOROS charges no fees for its services, which are available to all local people regardless of their race or creed. The Charity relies upon the generosity and support of individual people, organisations and groups as well as Trusts and the business communitiy of Leicestershire and Rutland in order to continue to fund the service. The Leicestershire and Rutland Hospice is a specialist centre providing skilled nursing and medical care, supported by physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers, in an environment that recognises the particular needs of patients and their families. It provides expertise in controlling pain and other distressing symptoms as well as offering emotional, spiritual and social care, which allows patients to live as normal a life as possible. Working with the whole family enables both the patient and the family to cope with the changing situation so that they are able to make best use of the limited time together available to them. LOROS treats patients from the age of eighteen years and upwards.

Please take time to visit their website for further details on what they do, and if you would like to get involved with any fundraising for them - they also run their own lottery so you can get involved in various ways - also visit their many shops - a quarterly quiz is available at £1 per entry and I always try my luck ............ one of these days! :O)

www.loros.co.uk

Thank you .........

Val, Pete, Frank, Fay, Tony

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You .........

2009-10-15T13:33:00.000+01:00

A few thank you's .............

Thank you Sue Godfrey for sending us a cheque for £5.00 and your continued support, we really appreciate it.

Also, thank you to Mladenka and Richard from Syston for sending a £5.00 cheque for Loros too.

Brenda Marriott from Barlestone donated £5.00 to the guys challenge money recently, so thank you also.

RBS Shepshed - library money for September was £8.90 which will be banked with the other monies.

It all adds up and we're almost at the £10,000 ..................... THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

Val x

Thanks to the Elohim Chuch Barlestone

2009-10-09T08:45:00.003+01:00

Hi,
Just received a cheque for £50:00 from Pastor lynne who gained the donation from her congregation in the village.

Thank you for your kind support

Tony,Frank & Pete

Pictures of the Lads!!!

2009-10-08T12:28:00.003+01:00

WELL DONE GUYS! WE'RE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!

x x x

Teddy Made it to Paris!!!

2009-10-08T12:21:00.003+01:00

Picture of Teddy from the local primary school at Barlestone who went on the trip with the lads.

Coloured Song Quiz ............ We Have a Winner!

2009-10-05T11:33:00.000+01:00

I recently organised a "coloured song" Quiz at GDS, Royal Bank of Scotland, and raised £33.00 for Loros - A BIG THANK YOU to all those who took part.

The winner, drawn at random, was Julie Doyle from Business Support at Shepshed and she now has a £25.00 M&S Voucher to go and treat herself! Enjoy!

Val :op

Well Done Anya May Reeves .......... x

2009-10-01T15:31:00.000+01:00

Just a little mention for a special little girl, Anya Reeves, who is 8 years old and lives in Donisthorpe.

As you know, we held a Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre in June to raise funds for Loros, and for those of you that came to the event, Anya was the little girl that was doing a lot of work on the main stall as you came through the door, working hard selling jewellery, raffle tickets and tombola tickets with her mummy.

She did a tremendous job - and I have discovered that recently she won the 1st Donisthorpe Brownies "Sixer" Shield for helping a charity, by helping us at the event.

Well done sweetheart and thank you for helping! :O)

Val, Pete, Tony, Fay & Frank xxxxx

Thank You Frank & Pauline Needham

2009-09-14T10:32:00.001+01:00

Another thank you to my mum and Frank who gave us another £10.00 to put in the pot on Sunday. They have given lots of money at different events we've held, donated absolutely loads of prizes and tombola items, and supported the lads efforts. So thank you so much, it's really appreciated.

Val, Pete, Frank, Fay, Tony

xx

Well Done Boys!

2009-09-14T10:27:00.001+01:00

Well, the guys arrived home around 7.30 pm last night, tired, happy and very hungry.

Toni (Tony's daughter) has written something lovely in the comments ....... and they're very proud of their dad. Please read the comment and feel free to leave any of your own. It makes you feel very humble when you hear people's stories and we're proud of everyone who took part, not just our 3 lads. They're all really good people and I'm sure it's changed them by taking part and completing the challenge. :O) x Val

Tony, Pete and Frank would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has given them support, in lots of different ways, and for being behind them all the way. It did make such a difference knowing that people were cheering them on and also the money rolling in - it made them motivated and even more worthwhile knowing that the amount was rising and will help lots of people.

Don't forget that you can still donate if you want to until the end of the year. Thank you again :O)

Val x

They Have Done It!!!!! Congratulations Lads

2009-09-12T17:53:00.002+01:00

They made it. Was approx 2.30pm (3.30pm their time). It has been an amazing experience and people have been wonderful. Found out there was approx 150 in their group and there were 2 groups. The lads were in the first group there. They had a bottle of wine when they got there, Pete had cycled through Paris with a bottle in his water holder on his bike! They now at the hotel and getting ready for their meal and celebration night. Well done lads, we are all proud of you, enjoy your evening and we will see you late tomorrow evening, no doubt tired but happy, and full of tales of your adventure.

3 Miles From Paris

2009-09-12T14:35:00.001+01:00

Had text at two o'clock. They are now just three miles away from Paris. All in a park and waiting for everyone to get there so as they can all cycle to the Eiffel Tower together. They are not feeling too bad at all, and thrilled that they almost completed the challenge. They will be able to have a drink tonight and celebrate in style. Hoping to cycle there approx 2.30 pm.

Come on you bikers .......

Almost There! And Doing Fine ...........

2009-09-12T08:18:00.001+01:00

Got a call at 7.10 am this morning (8.10 am in France). They are all doing well and really enjoying the experience. They have met some nice people and they all had a couple of beers last night. Final leg of their journey begins this morning, they were just about to set off and gathering when I spoke to Pete. 60 miles today and 70 miles yesterday. They are now in Beauvais and will be in Paris later today. They all wait 6 miles from the end of the route so they can ride the last bit together in a group. They have their celebration meal tonight and they can let their hair down.

Talking to Fay, Tony won't see his son Kristian now for a while as he's going back to Uni in Preston this morning. So it's a bit sad that Tony not home until Sunday evening and will miss him.

Come on guys nearly there!

Thank You Maxwell & Heather

2009-09-12T08:00:00.000+01:00

Thank you to Maxwell and Heather from Barlestone post office for another kind donation of £5 -have spoken to the boys and they send their thanks. Everyone is so kind and it is really keeping them going. There have been quite a few donations on the just giving site recently and that is being fed back to them, so thank you for that. Your messages of support are great. :-)

The Guys Have Got Through Today ........

2009-09-10T15:58:00.004+01:00

Received a text at 3.30 pm ......... "Just finished today. A lot easier than yesterday, fantastic scenery and weather, and the French are very friendly".

Sounds like they are getting through it nicely and still getting chance to enjoy their surroundings (and not upsetting anyone haha).

Soooo pleased it's good weather for them, I think they have enough to contend with, with having sore bottoms and feet. And as it's still early, they can have chance to relax and explore a little bit hopefully before they drop to sleep!

Been emailing Fay to find out how she's doing and whether she's missing Tony ....... she assures me she is and so are all the family. But she is fine - too many people still in the house with lots going on to find herself at a loose end.
I must admit, I feel so exhausted this week (and I feel so guilty because I'm not doing any pedalling! Ooops). The doggies are missing their daddy & his boat though!

Don't forget that the lads are still asking for sponsorship up until the end of the year so it's not too late if you still would like to give something. Either contact one of us, or follow the link to the Just Giving Site. Thank You. (I feel like Bob Geldolf or Lenny Henry! "Give us yer money now" Ha Ha!)

Val x

Safely on the Ferry :O)

2009-09-10T09:43:00.007+01:00

6 pm Wednesday and the boys are safely on the ferry, a bit tired and sweaty with sore bottoms, but happy! Got chance to speak to Pete properly and he told me a few bits and bobs which I'd like to share with you.

Firstly he told me that Richard Everard from Everard's Brewery waved them off when they finished work on Tuesday afternoon, and had given them some "Tiger Bitter" towels for when they get sweaty, and a pack of beer to fortify them. They were also going to take pictures along the way for Everards for promotion "Where do you drink your Tiger?" and so far they've taken a picture showing the White Cliffs of Dover in the background and their Tiger beer amongst others. They are also taking pictures of the little Bear in various locations for the children at Barlestone school - Tony will bring him back to you and he can tell you of his adventures! The lads had a nice Italian meal on Tuesday evening in London and then sat in a park in the beautiful sunshine with a couple of "Tigers" before they retired to bed early. Last night they decided not to eat on the ferry, but wait until they got to Calais. They had approximately 4 to 5 miles to ride to the hotel when they got off the ferry - and they were drawing straws as to who got to have the first nice soak in the bath when they arrived. They are thrilled that the weather is being so kind to them - it would not have been fun if it had been raining.

They have been following little orange markers, and I think they went slightly off course at one stage so have covered a few extra miles (so that shuts me up for saying that I thought they ought to be pedalling all the time they were crossing the channel!) - apparently if you don't see a marker in approximately a mile, they know they will be going off course. It's really well organised and about every 25 miles or so, there is a water point and they can get energy bars, banana's, water etc if they want them. They're drinking lots of water (despite Pete having a "Tiger" can in his water holder on his bike and people thinking he's drinking beer all day ha). Oh and there are a lot of nice bikes that people have - and you really do need a decent bike to take part in something like this - so they're all glad they got theirs earlier in the year.

I sent some french phrases that I thought might be useful yesterday via text - but they asked me to find out what is french for "You have a nice behind"!!! Typical. The funny thing is that Pete has been cycling behind Frank so I'm getting worried now!! His mum was really happy to speak to him though and said she'd been thinking about them all day, and pedalling with them.

There have been a couple of people coming off their bikes and there was nearly a pile up when some people stopped to work out which way they should go, but generally things are going smoothly. However, there was one incident which is humorous, but obviously not for the guy concerned at the time bless him, (still around London/Kent area I believe) where they found a cyclist in all his gear, lying on the ground having come off his bike, and he looked quite shook up with gravel and blood stuck to him - but one girl from the lad's group actually went over him and had a nasty bruise to show for it afterwards, and they thought the guy was suffering from concussion bless him as everyone kept stopping to ask him whether he knew which group he was in, where his group was, and whether he knew where to go on the route etc - he just kept looking up in confusion and obviously hadn't got a clue what they were talking about. Turns out that the poor guy was nothing to do with the cycle challenge at all and was just out on his own for a cycle, and was being kidnapped by all these concerned crazy people!

Today they will be cycling approximately 75 miles (unless they go off course and it could be a few more) and they will end up in Abbeville overnight.

Anyway, hopefully the lads had a nice meal last night, a nice soak and plenty of sleep. I'll update you again when I can ............

Val :O)

Gravel Castle in Aylesham, Kent ........ 2.30 pm

2009-09-09T14:50:00.007+01:00

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=greenwich&daddr=aylesham,+kent+to:calais+to:abbeville+to:Beauvais,+Oise,+Picardy,+France+to:paris&geocode=%3B%3B%3B%3BFSo78gIdLcEfAClTtQIhLQHnRzH0ThyWTz50Mw%3B&hl=en&mra=pe&mrcr=3,4&dirflg=w&sll=47.694974,0.505371&sspn=10.888205,15.161133&ie=UTF8&ll=49.759978,1.5271&spn=5.224157,11.744385&t=p&z=7
Link to Map & Route

The boys are now at Gravel Castle in Aylesham, Kent on a "water stop". They're enjoying it and taking it in turns to keep the pace. Apparently there are some very big hills so far!!!!

They've got 20 more miles to do today to make the total of 95 miles - and they need to be at Dover to catch the 6 pm ferry, so all nicely on track. Then can relax and feed themselves whilst crossing the channel and then they will stay overnight in Calais. I've just texted some useful french phrases to them .... haha!

"Suivez la direction de Paris. Je ne parle pas bien français. Je ne comprends pas. Bonne journée!"

And they're off !!!!

2009-09-09T09:48:00.004+01:00

The boys set off for London yesterday afternoon, driven in a van with all their kit and bikes aboard, by Kev Neale from Everards.

They arrived in London at their hotel and sat in the glorious sunshine and had a beer (I'm sure they should be on orange juice!!!) and met some of the other cyclists who are taking part, and chilled out before their adventure.

Spoke to Pete at 6.45 am this morning and they were all assembled ready for the off, having had breakfast, and all keen to get started. I could hear all the excited chatter in the background. They start from Greenwich and pass through the outskirts of London onto the quieter roads and past fields and villages of Kent. Then they will continue along the North Downs Way and along small country roads to Dover and the coast where they will take the ferry to Calais and have a well deserved dinner on board and stay overnight in a Calais hotel.
Cycling Today approximately 153km (95 miles)

Good luck guys! x

Thank You Bill from Stoke Golding

2009-09-07T11:05:00.004+01:00

......... Thank you Bill for donating £20.00 sponsorship money when we saw you at our BBQ gathering recently. It is really kind of you and we appreciate it very much.

We'll pop your contact details onto the blog once we get them so that people can contact you if they need a quote from a very good builder! :O)

Pete & Val

The guys start their journey on Tuesday .........

2009-09-07T10:09:00.006+01:00

London to Paris Cycle Route Itinerary:
5 days / 4 nights
Depart: Tuesday evening to London, then Wednesday am set off from Greenwich
Return: Sunday Paris to London

They are almost ready for the off!

"Good Luck guys" - we'll all be thinking of you and supporting and cheering you on. Have set out the itinerary below again for all those who have asked where they will be going etc.

Hopefully we will have some good photos to pop on here when they are back (if they get chance to stop pedalling long enough to take some). If anyone would like to sponsor them - there is still time - we will continue to collect for LOROS until the end of the year. Either contact the guys or go via the Just Giving Link on this blog - every little helps and is much appreciated.

Thanks to everyone who has supported, sponsored and encouraged in every way!

Come on Lads - get pedalling - but most of all - ENJOY IT!

Val xx

***

Introduction:
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque Kent countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement.
Our last day in Paris allows us to explore the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this majestic town!

Day 1: London – Calais
We will set off and head to London late on Tuesday afternoon (Kevin Neale who also works for Everards, is kindly driving us using an Everards van - thank you all!!!). Hopefully, an early night and an early start of 6 am to start our adventure from Greenwich allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We continue our journey along the North Downs Way and along small country roads to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais we have dinner on board and stay overnight in a Calais hotel.

Cycle approximately 153km (95 miles)

Day 2: Calais – Abbeville
After a hearty breakfast we head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and quiet back roads. Cycling inland from the coast, we avoid busy Boulogne and pass east through ancient Desvres, renowned for its pottery. Following quiet winding roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River, and cross the River to Hesdin, a pretty town near the site of the historic battle of Agincourt. Continuing south, our final 30km brings us to the River Somme and the town of Abbeville. Abbeville suffered badly in a German air raid in World War II, but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence and its Gothic church has been largely restored to its former glory.
Cycle approximately 120km (75 miles)

Day 3: Abbeville – Beauvais
Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of man who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow shady beech-tree-lined avenues so typically French, into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat and through agricultural lands. Our day ends at Beauvais, a town renowned for its large gothic cathedral. Cycle approximately 110km (70 miles)

Day 4: Beauvais – Paris
Our final day's cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. Cycling is the national sport of France and while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb on St. Denis we reach the River Seine, and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne until we reach the Pont d'Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. We will then join all the other cyclists for a celebration dinner in the evening for a well earned beer.
Cycle approximately 95km (60 miles)

Day 5: Paris - London
After breakfast we are free for a few hours to explore the city, or just relax and reflect on our wonderful trip. We then need to get ourselves to the Gare du Nord on time for our afternoon Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where we will meet up again with Kevin and our transport back home.

Fashion Shows & Shopping Events in aid of Rainbows

2009-09-01T12:20:00.003+01:00

A good friend and supporter of ours is organising some great events, and wanted to help her by giving her some advertising on our blog ........

Fashion Shows - Great Bargains to be had!

Friday Oct. 23rd 7:00 - Melbourne View Hotel, DE73 8BR (http://www.melbourneviewhotel.co.uk/pages/contact_us.htm ) (approx. capacity 50) Ticket £5

Monday Oct 26th 7:00 - The George & Dragon, Ashby Rd., Thringstone LE67 8UH ( http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=george+dragon+thringstone&fb=1&split=1&gl=uk&cid=15040603133126479193&li=lmd ) (room for around 50) Ticket £5

Saturday Nov 28th (time TBD but 7:00-ish) - Hood Park Leisure Centre, North Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1HU (http://www.multimap.com/maps/?zoom=15&countryCode=GB&qs=LE651HU ) Tickets at £7. This is a bigger venue (150 seats) & there will be more stalls in addition to the fashions so this will be more of a ‘Christmas Shopping’ evening. It might make a fun alternative ‘work’s Christmas night out’ ?

For more information on these events or to get your tickets contact Yvonne on 01530 224579 or info@osgathorpe.org.uk . If you can help by displaying a poster at your place of work or emailing to friends, please let Yvonne know, she would be really grateful.

Thanks to Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre

2009-08-24T16:39:00.009+01:00

Hi,
Completed a CYCLE spinning event at " The Shopping Centre " on Saturday and Sunday and over the two days raised £593:81 for our challenge

Thank you so much to everyone that stopped and donated and for the lovely comments people made on the day

Thanks for the support on the days again from Fay Fran and Darren x

Just had word that a donation from Fays works will make the sum up to £600:00

A big thank you to Sarah Duffin the Centre Manager and also to Laura West the administation Manager who put the charity package together for us.

Hope to hear from the lady that stopped and talked to me and who was the manager of one of the local Sainsburys stores who took our contact details and said she would pass the challenge on to all the stores in the Area to gain donations from the members of staff .

Not long now before the challenge !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony

Just Over 2 Weeks to Go ............

2009-08-24T14:31:00.003+01:00

........ until the boys are off!

They are still training hard and out and about on their bikes, to and from work and everywhere! The other day I bumped into Tony who was with his son Cristian just off out for a cycle. And yesterday Frank and Pete did just over 100 miles by cycling to Ashbourne in Derbyshire and back.

I arrived home to find them really pongey, eating bowls of cereal and not looking too bad at all after that distance! Well done guys. (They did stop in a park to eat a lovely romantic picnic together though) :OP

And I know that Pete is taking his training seriously now the event is fast approaching as he even turned down alcohol at the weekend!!

We'll keep you informed ...........

Good Luck to the 3 Muskateers!
Val xxx

Next Event staged at Beaumont Leys Shopping Centre

2009-08-19T15:07:00.005+01:00

Hi,
I have gained permission to use the collection buckets at the shopping centre on
Saturday/ Sunday starting approx 09:00 till mid afternoon

Any one intrested in standing along side me to encourage the public to donate?.

Will be taking my bike to do some more spinning in the centre.

Please call me on 01455 291608 if you can help?

This is the last organised event before the challenge

Regards

Tony

Thank You Shift 5, GDS Royal Bank of Scotland

2009-08-17T16:16:00.002+01:00

Thank You to all those who donated their loose change in Shift 5 Area, and for donating it to LOROS via our charity challenge - amount was £20.00

It is really appreciated! Thank You so much

:O)

Val

Thanks to Rob Davis for making the scheme known to me and naming our charity to benefit from his kind donation...

2009-08-16T20:38:00.015+01:00

Hi,
Received a cheque for £75:00 from JDC Conceipts. Rob took on the Road side Assistance package, and named The 3smoothbikers as his named charity.
It really was that simple !!!!!!!!!!!!!! please look at the previous post for details.
Remember it's free to register please take a look and all you need to do is apply on line at http://www.causefundraising.co.uk/ OR http://www.supportacause.co.uk/and once (if paying monthly) the first £15:00 is received at JDConcepts they forward the named charity either £50 for the 2 year deal or £75:00 for the 3 year deal.

A WIN /WIN SITUATION FOR BOTH THE CLIENT AND THE CHARITY.

Please take a look and compare costs to other organisations.

Regards
Tony

3 Year Road Assistance cover for your car

2009-08-16T20:36:00.001+01:00

Want to get 3 year car UK Recovery or European Assistance
FOR ONLY £15.00 per month (paid for over 1 year period only, and you're covered for 3 years)?

Use the web site below to compare costs for other associations .....

http://www.causefundraising.co.uk/ OR http://www.supportacause.co.uk/
you will help us receive a donation of either £50.00 or £75.00
from JD Concepts Ltd when you apply on line and name our charity web page www.justgiving.com/3smoothbikers for LOROS

A WIN / WIN SITUATION for both you and our Charity

TOO GOOD TO BELIEVE?

Please visit the site and browse at the comparison charts and see what you get for your money

Regards

Tony

£42.90 from Frank Ward ................

2009-08-12T11:08:00.002+01:00

Frank has received from his local pub and corner shop the money from their collecting tins - and it comes to £42.90 in loose change.

Thank you so much!

If anyone would like a collecting tin to place somewhere for us, please let us know - it all helps to support. You could also set up a lending library at your place of work either for Loros or a charity of your own - and running a bonus ball scheme is also another excellent way to raise some funds for charity.

Val :O)

THANK YOU EVERARDS BREWERY

2009-08-10T06:24:00.002+01:00

Another thank you to Everards Brewery in Leicester who held a raffle for a Tigers Rugby Shirt recently, which took place at the Great British Beer Festival.

A fantastic £175.00 was raised which they have donated to the guys to put towards their LOROS total.

Everards have been very supportive, donating prizes for the Robbie Tribute night, and friends and colleagues of Pete and Frank have been participating in the lottery bonus ball and the library, buying raffle tickets, the PR Department arranging for the professional photos to be taken, letters being sent to the Everards pubs and supporting their cycling to different locations and also the public houses themselves who have been putting collecting tins on their bar etc.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Val

Raffle Winners .......... from Fri 7 August

2009-08-10T05:58:00.003+01:00

We had a wonderful time at the Robbie Tribute - hope you did too!

All money has now been received and paid into the bank and a fantastic £1,132.18 was raised. So pleased with this - it's a tremendous amount and hopefully GDS will be adding a community cashback amount to this.

A big thank you to everyone that attended, it was a great atmosphere and very well supported. Thank you to Andy Tee at Abbey Sports & Leisure for letting us have the room and selling tickets for us and to the resident DJ and bar staff for an excellent job! A MASSIVE THANK YOU to Matt for another great peformance - he is a fantastic entertainer and if anyone interested in bookings I can put you in touch with him. Just email me on peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk - hope Matt and his wife Nicky enjoy their weekend on the narrowboat on us! :O)

Last but not least, thank you to all those who helped us on the night and selling tickets before the event. Paige and Sian did a brilliant job on the night and also Nancy Taylor from LOROS and her partner Andy - it was great to have you come along and help us with our event and donate some prizes. Everards were also brilliant in donating some prizes for the evening.

Now for the winners ................

1st Prize Champneys Springs Health Resort 2 Relax Days - KIM DAVIES (on the night)
2nd Prize Blue iPod Shuffle - JOHN B - Everards Brewery
3 - Quicklite Foldaway Vax Hoover - CATH HIND RBS
4 - Bottle Champagne - EDDIE COCKS RBS
5 - Bottle Glenmorangie Whisky - MAUREEN HOSKINS (on the night)
6 - Chocolate Fountain - JAYNE HALCARZ RBS
7 - Large Cuddly Rabbit - STANTON (on the night)
8 - Large Brown Teddy - CAROLINE BENTLEY RBS
9 - Family Ticket Black Country Museum - V COOPER (on the night)
10 - Reflexology Treatment Liberty Reflexology - SALLY - Everards
11 - 2 Tickets Warwick Castle - PENNY EDWARDS (on the night)
12 - 2 Rides Tobogan Swadlincote Ski Centre - JAN EMERY RBS
13 - Everards Fleece - SALLY S (on the night)
14 - Everards Towel - VAL BIDWELL RBS
15 - Everards Towel - PAUL BELLAMY
16 - Everards Coat - CIARON LENNON RBS
17 - Everards T Shirt - JEAN SKINNER (on the night)
18 - LCFC Stadium Tour for 4 - CHARLOTTE SEWARD (on the night)
19 - Wall Clock - SHARON FERGUSON (on the night)
20 - Make up Set - DARREN DUTTON RBS
21 - Teddy Bear - KIM (on the night)
22 - Sports Board Game - DAWN MAC (on the night)
23 - Body Care Set - LAURA MURPHY (on the night)
24 - Watch, Necklace & Earrings - D FINDLEY (on the night)
25 - Travel Cosmetic Bag & Kit - DAN WARD (on the night)
26 - Travel Hair Straighteners - ANDY JOHNSON (RBS)
27 - M&S Voucher - YVONNE CALEY
28 - Amelia Knight Mini Lipglosses - MICK (on the night)
29 - Briefcase - MARGARET McMANUS (on the night)
30 - Twinlakes Tickets - MLADENKA
31 - National Trust Tickets - ANN HALL RBS

(I actually won a prize and normally I have been known to throw it back in for someone else - but I was absolutely thrilled that it was the Black Country Museum Tickets - we have planned to go in September as we are off work that week and it's a special event - they will have the traditional working narrowboats (barges!) there and being boaters this couldn't have been better!)

THANK YOU ALL FOR A PERFECT NIGHT - NOT LONG NOW GUYS UNTIL YOUR CYCLE CHALLENGE - I know you are getting on well with your training (Tony and Pete did just over 50 miles yesterday morning and Frank cycled to Sheffield to see family a couple of weeks ago - there and back twice!) so keep on cycling and we're all behind you and wishing you luck.

Val x

Thank You GDS Shepshed, Royal Bank of Scotland

2009-08-03T15:52:00.003+01:00

Thank you to GDS in Shepshed (RBS) where I work ............ Another £9 in July from our lending library for LOROS and also in our "donate your loose change" jar some anonymous angel left a bag full of 1p's which amounted to £12.46 .............. Thank You whoever you are!

Also selling raffle tickets for anyone interested for our Robbie Event ..... 1st prize is the Champneys Springs Hydro Health Resort & Spa - 2 Full Relax Days! 2nd prize is ipod Shuffle in Blue. Lots of other prizes, bottles, cuddly toys, tickets to local attractions, etc so please contact either myself, Pete, Tony, Fay or Frank for tickets. Will be drawn on Friday night.

If you fancy coming along on Friday and don't have tickets, you can get them on the door ...... please come along and support LOROS and support the guys who are cycling next month - it's coming round VERY fast!

:O)

£69.67 Raised - A Big Thank You from Val

2009-08-03T15:48:00.003+01:00

Thank you all who came to my birthday do and made my night very special, and to those who donated money instead of cards, to go to LOROS.

There was a fabulous £69.67 raised on the night which really touched me. I had a wonderful time (although my memory was a bit hazy towards the end of the night) ...... and hope you did too.

Now I've reached 40 .... time to slow down ...... haha not a chance!!!! :O)

Love from

Val xxx

Thank You Roy & Doris Howe

2009-07-06T09:17:00.003+01:00

Thank You So Much for your donation of £40.00 to Loros - it is very kind of you and very much appreciated.

Pete & Val, Tony & Fay, Frank

:O)

Robbie Williams Tribute Night

2009-07-01T15:43:00.003+01:00

HI - advertising has now kicked off - remember if you can display a poster for us please contact me on email peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk

(There may be a session by a Take That Tribute happening on the night - but we cannot promise anything due to the lads' availability - we'll just have to wait and see!)

Also, if you can get a group of mates together and sell 10 tickets for us, we'll give you an extra one free for yourself as a thank you.

It's a brilliant night out so please get your tickets and join in the fun and support LOROS.

Val :O)

Robbie Williams Tribute Night - on 7 August - GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

2009-06-15T21:57:00.016+01:00

Live Music - Robbie Williams Tribute Act + DJ & Dancing
A Fantastic Night Out – In Aid of LOROS Hospice

Featuring our fantastic amazing lookalike & soundalike Robbie in an amazing show that emulates the sound of Robbie, the look of Robbie and especially the persona of the man himself! With sell out shows & world wide performances, open air concerts & television, this is the No 1 Robbie Williams Tribute and he has once again, very kindly agreed to perform and donate his time just for us in aid of LOROS! Great Show by a Great Guy to raise funds for a Great Cause.

Friday 7th August 2009
Live on stage in "The Lounge"8.00 pm – 1.00 am at
Abbey Sports & Leisure Club70 Slater Street Leicester LE3 5AS
£5.00 Admission – Ticket Event
(sell 10 tickets to your mates and get 1 free for yourself!)

Raffle to be drawn on the night – lots of great prizes!
Entry Tickets Available by calling in at the venue (Tel 0116 242 2222 / www.abbeysports.co.uk)
Alternatively send a cheque made payable to “Cycle for Loros” with your name & address to Val Cooper, 8 Bagworth Road, Barlestone, Nuneaton, Warks CV13 0EG and tickets will be sent to you – but get in early to avoid disappointment – pre booking advised). Email peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk / tony.findley@homecall.co.uk for further details.

“New Zealand press described him as ‘Robbie’s Clone’ - NEW ZEALAND DAILY NEWS / Norwegian press as ‘Fantastic’ - RANA NEWS / British press as ‘Perfectionism' - THE MAIL ON SUNDAY”

THANK YOU TO ANDY TEE ABBEY SPORTS & LEISURE FOR LETTING US USE YOUR VENUE AND FACILITIES FOR THIS GREAT CAUSE. CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE - GREAT MEMBERSHIP DEALS ON AT PRESENT!
http://www.abbeysports.co.uk/

All money raised will be going to The Loros Appeal

It's a really fantastic tribute and you're going to be guaranteed a great night - hope you can come along - bring a group of mates, arrange a mini bus, and join us! If you can sell 10 tickets we'll give you 1 extra free for yourself as a thank you.
If you can display a poster for us please let us know - we would be very grateful.

Val, Pete, Fay, Tony, Frank
*********************

Raffle Winners ...................

2009-06-15T20:59:00.011+01:00

...................... Congratulations!

1st Prize - 1 Night Stay for 2 people B&B, Evening Meal & Treatment at Reeds & use of spa, pool etc per person BW Premier Yew Lodge Hotel donated by Heather Thornton at the hotel (http://www.yewlodgehotel.co.uk/) - Stan Hoskins c/o Frank (Mint 156-160)
2nd - voucher place at Sweat Lodge at Bestwood Country Park donated by Jason Sewell (http://www.turtlelodgehealing.co.uk/) - Paula Reeves (Green 16-20)
3rd - Voucher - Reading & Goodies Pack donated by Janet Wilson (http://www.tarotsbyjanet.co.uk/) - Manus McGonigle (Peach 31-35)
4th - Healing Session & Lessons of Light Set donated by Bobbie Pierrepoint & Toni Mann (http://www.angeldiary.co.uk/) - Lance & Emma (Mint 11 - 15 )
5th - £25 Voucher complementary Therapy donated by Glynis & Les (glyniswillmore@dsl.pipex.com) - Ramon GDS - (Peach 76-80)
6th - 1 hour aromatherapy session donated by Andrea Bray (http://www.andreaaromatherapy.co.uk/) - Neil Fletcher (Green 196-200)
7th - Elizabeth Arden 125ml perfume - C Box GDS (Peach 131-135)
8th - Twin Lakes theme park tickets (http://www.twinlakespark.co.uk/) - James Holyland (Mint 206-210)
9th - West Midlands Safari Park 2 people (http://www.wmsp.co.uk/) - Mick Gallagher GDS (Peach 161-165)
10th - Piece of hand crafted jewellery donated by Yvonne Frankly Unique (http://www.franklyunique.co.uk/) - Syd Hoskins c/o Frank (Mint 136-140)
11th - FCUK Men's Gift Set - Carla c/o Tracey (Peach 241-245)
12th - Giant Teddy donated by Pauline & Frank Needham - Manus McGonigle (Peach 116-120)
13th - Adoption of an animal Gorse Hill Farm - Helen Sullivan (Mint 126-130)
14th - Handmade Ankle Chain donated by Manjit Gill - Greg Hoskins c/o Frank (Mint 71-75)
15th - Cuddly black & white dog donated by Bet & Doug Adcock - Mari Wojtylo GDS (Peach 101-105)
16th - Cuddly Dalmatian donated by Pauline & Frank Needham - Doug Adcock (White 36-40)
17th - Bottle Cider Brandy donated by Kirby Watkins - Graham Cubitt (Yellow 1-5)
18th - Wild Rose Gift Set Box donated by Pauline Needham - Corrine Roman GDS (Yellow 71-75)
19th - SPA Blue Gift Set donated by Pauline Needham (Val won, so redrawn) - Graham Cubitt (Yellow 26-30)
20th - Hair Dryer donated by Pauline Needham - Harish c/o Tracey (White 56-60)
21st - Lotus Necklace & Earrings donated by Ann Hall - Gill Baines (Peach 376-380)
22nd - Next Gift Set donated by Pauline Needham - Tony & Fay Findley (Peach 361-365)
23rd - Travel Hair Straighteners donated by Pauline Needham - Dick Skinner c/o Frank (Mint 51-55)
24th - Next Chocolate Bath Set - Pete Adcock (White 31-35)
25th - Botanicals Floral Set - Yvonne Frankly Unique (Yellow 156-160)
26th - Bottle Red Wine - Hayley Large GDS (Peach 51-55)
27th - Elizabeth French Slippers & Lotions donated by Bet Adcock - Christine Geary (Peach 271-275)
28th - Royal Jelly Boots Set donated by Pauline Needham - Taryn GDS (Peach 136-140)
29th - Facial Massager donated by Val - (Pete won and was redrawn) - Ciaran GDS (Peach 46-50)
30th - Travel Bag and bottles donated by Pauline Needham - Harish c/o Tracey (White 51-55)
31st - Crystal Laser Fairy Paperweight donated by Sheena Woodman - Lance & Emma (White 46-50)
32nd - Foot Cream donated by Pauline Needham - Kev Neale @ Everards (Mint 11-15)
33rd - Bouquet of Flowers Brooch donated by Pauline Needham - Sarah (Sweat Lodge stall holder) (Peach 326-330)
34th - Cat Photo Frame donated by Sheena Woodman ( http://www.self1.co.uk/) - Kev Neale @ Everards (Mint 16-20)
35th - Red Necklace in box donated by Val - Karen Bet Fred (White 91-95)
36th - £5 Vouchers donated by Lynn Tan Watson Witches Garden Herbs (http://www.witchsgarden.co.uk/) - Maggie Brocklehurst (Reiki Charged Soaps Stall holder) (Mint 151-155)
37th - Reiki Charged Soaps Basket donated by Maggie Brocklehurst (hedgerider@spiritual-journey.co.uk) - Ian & Kim (Mint 146-150)

* * *

£7.40 donated by Frances Munro from her takings for Loros - Thank you Frances! (www.francesmunro.com)

A Fantastic £2k To Add to Our Total!!!!

2009-06-15T20:47:00.006+01:00

A Big Thank You to all those who attended the Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre yesterday - hopefully everyone had a great time and had some nice treatments etc. Thank you so much for my team of friends who helped me out and made it successful - Paula & Anya (little star), Paige (another little star who worked all weekend with me), Sheena, Tony & Fay, Fran & Darren, Frank, my mum & Frank and last but not least my Peter (love you all!), and all those at work who also helped to promote the event and donated prizes etc. Nancy Taylor from Loros also arranged for the Loros shops to have leaflets and posters and has been great with her support.

All the stall holders were brilliant - couldn't have done it without you (and some brilliant prizes donated!), and although I was a little disappointed with the flow of people despite the advertising, we were competing with the Download Festival and the Walk of Life and various other events that day, but we raised money! - so all in all we had a successful and prosperous day for Loros Hospice and I think people enjoyed it.

Still awaiting a few bits and bobs to come in - but we will have raised just over £1k and hopefully with the community cashback through my work (thank you GDS), this will be a total of £2k for Loros.

I will be publishing the raffle prize winners separately and most of the prizes should be on their way to you now. Congratulations to the Winners - enjoy your prizes.

Massive thanks to Heather Thornton and the staff at BW Premier Yew Lodge for letting me have their hotel for the day and organising the rooms etc and providing facillities and donating the fantastic first prize.

There are lots of others who have played a part and thank you ALL, including all the local village webmasters who popped the event on their sites for me.

Val xxxxxxxxxx

PS - Check out Paula's websites for some holiday ideas!!!!
"When the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fireproof
Under the boardwalk - Down by the sea
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be"
Need a Holiday? Have a look at:
http://xrl.us/beqcg3 Cornwall & www.myretreats.co.uk Greece

Well Being & Mystic Fayre on SUNDAY ..... Come Along & See Us .... FREE ADMISSION - Fantastic Raffle!

2009-06-08T08:44:00.005+01:00

Leaflets and Posters have now been sent out - if you would like the information emailing to you or you can display at work or email to friends please contact Val on peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk - all advertising appreciated!

****

WELLBEING & MYSTIC FAYRE

Come Along & Join Us for a Fantastic Day – Treat Yourself & Support LOROS Hospice

Sunday 14 June 200911 am – 4 pm

At Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth, DE74 2DF

*** FREE ADMISSION ***

(but please feel free to donate your loose change in the buckets at the venue to help us to raise funds)

A collection of experts all in one room - just browse, have a treatment or reading, chat and find out more information, or treat yourself to something nice! Bar/Drinks area & bar snacks available –have your lunch with us & Relax!

Everything ranging from the Mystic and Alternative Therapies to Pampering, Health, Beauty and Fitness plus jewellery & products for sale – including Crystals, Aromatherapy, Aloe Vera products, Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Flower Essences, Meditation, Natural channelling, Reflexology, Soaps & Natural products, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Readings – cards, birth charts, palm readings & hand analysis, Psychic Medium / Clairvoyant, crystal ball readings, angel cards, psychometry, tarot cards, ribbon readings, aura photos, Various Massage treatments, Herbs & natural remedies, life coaching, colour analysis, personal training & nutrition, Hopi Ear Candles, Hot Stone Massage, Spray Tanning, Beauty Therapy, Custom made jewellery & wedding items, books for sale, Master Energy, Colour Therapy, Sound Therapy + more!

No obligation – just come and see us!

Get Your Raffle Tickets - 1st Prize – Residential Spa Day for 2 People at Reeds, Yew Lodge Hotel (Breakfast and Evening Meal included), lots of treatments and goodies donated + lots of other items – plus have a go on our Tombola

* * * Free demonstrations and talks every hour * * *

(limited spaces so first come first served basis)

11.00 am Clinical Hypnotherapy – Ask Questions & Talk with Janet

12.00 Noon Access the Wonders of the World through Increased Awareness with Sheena

1.00 pm Herbs & Natural Products Demonstration with Lynne

2.00 pm Master Energy, Colour Therapy, using colour & sound with Bobbie

3.00 pm Auras! Healing Energies! Reiki! What's it all About? Find out with Glynis

ALSO – 1 Hour approx “Stop Smoking Sessions” £30 per person - ongoing all day by Janet, qualified clinical hypnotherapist – just turn up and put your name down – limited spaces. Half of fee will be donated to LOROS

& 1 Hour Meditation Sessions ongoing all day for small fee per person with Chris – donating all profits to LOROS

Many thanks to Heather Thornton, Director of Sales & Marketing & all the Staff at Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel for their support.Packington Hill, Kegworth, Derby DE74 2DFwww.yewlodgehotel.co.ukincluding Reeds Health Club & Spa (membership details available on the day)

If you have any queries regarding the event, please contact organiser Val Cooper Email: peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk

A BIG THANK YOU to all that have helped advertise this and supported me through it - especially Wilf Williamson, Jayne Halcarz from work, plus their families, who live in the village and did a leaflet drop for me and Sheena Woodman who helped me blitz the village with flyers & leaflets on Friday afternoon ......... it has been very much appreciated. And all the webmasters from the surrounding villages who have put up with me and advertised on their village websites! And not forgetting Paula, Beth, Sheena (my partner in crime) & Charlotte who helped me leave leaflets all over Ashby on Saturday night :O) What fun!

Osgathorpe's Rainbow of Fun Day 2 August

2009-06-03T14:05:00.002+01:00

Hi All - just a little advertising for my friend Yvonne who is organising an event for Rainbows and has helped me advertise our events - plus she will be taking part and having a stall at my Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre on 14 June - come and see her fantastic unique jewellery!

Osgathorpe's Rainbow of Fun Day

Sunday, 2nd August 2009
12:30 until 5:00
plus an early evening quiz

The pages are currently being updated and details are yet to be finalised.

Please do keep checking her website - there will be a dog show, refreshments, pamper treatments, owl display, bouncy castle, bbq, things to buy and activities to take part in. Please do go along and support if you can - it's a brilliant day!

www.osgathorpe.org.uk/

Paul from East Leake .......

2009-05-27T16:16:00.004+01:00

People have been brilliant about advertising the Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre for me - and loads of mentions everywhere - thank you all!

Would like to say a special thank you to Paul from the website East Leake Online.

I contacted him to see if he could advertise on his website and he has been out and about around the local area to him posting my leaflets and posters everywhere and laminating and allsorts.

It is very much appreciated Paul! Take a look at his website .......... Val :O)

www.east-leake.com

Update from Sundays Event May 24 th

2009-05-26T22:10:00.006+01:00

Hi,
Big thanks to Sheena, Shirley , Karen,Fran Darren and Fay for their continued active support We went to Beaumont Leys Boot Sale on Sunday set up the training bike for me at the entrance to the boot sale lots of people giving encouragement and donating their loose change raised £75:00 in the bucket collection and items sold donated by Val and thanks to Fran who has gift aided £40:00 on line from the total raised on her store. Lots of leaflets passed on about Vals organised " Well being fayre " on Sunday June 14 at At The Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth 11 am – 4 pm hope to see you there, definitely a day not to be missed

Best Regards

Tony x

Gorse Hill City Farm, Anstey Lane, Leicester

2009-05-21T10:08:00.002+01:00

Just a little mention - Many thanks to Lorraine Palmer, Publicity Officer at Gorse Hill City Farm .............

Anstey Lane, Leicester LE4 0FJ

Telephone 0116 253 7582

Email gorsehillcityfarm@live.co.uk

website: www.gorsehillcityfarm.org.uk

They have very kindly donated a prize for our Wellbeing Fayre - a Silver Adoption Certificate for an animal at the farm.

Please visit their website or go along to see them - they rely heavily on the support of the public to look after their animals.

Thanks Val

Champneys Prize!

2009-05-21T10:01:00.002+01:00

A big thank you to Paul Fenech at Champneys for donating a prize for our fundraising - 2 Relax Days at Champneys Springs Health Resort.

It is much appreciated and will make a fantastic prize for us.

Also thank you Rachael Cooper (my lovely niece) who works there and approached Paul on my behalf.

Visit their website www.champneys.com/resort_springs.asp

Or Call Champneys: 08703 300 300

Champneys Springs Health Resort, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1TG

Thank You to Bet Adcock & The A.V.I.C. Centre

2009-05-21T09:58:00.002+01:00

The Raffle that was organised by the group who attend the A.V.I.C. Centre for the Blind in Barwell have raised a fabulous £123.30 for LOROS to help our target.

Thanks Mum & Friends at the Centre in Barwell, for all your hard work! We will pop into the Centre to see you soon!

From Us All xx

Next Planned Event Beaumont Leys Sun 24 May

2009-05-18T08:14:00.004+01:00

Hi,
We will be at Beaumont Leys "Car Boot Sale" this Sunday 24th from 07:30 am where the bike will be set up alongside the stall, and again will be spinning and collecting loose change from the general public.
Do you have any sale items to donate for the car boot?
If so please come back to me on 07775 933665 & we can talk about the items and arrange delivery or collection.

Thanks to Sheena, Shirley, Karen and Fran, family members who have set up the event, and again to Val /Pete for donating more items to be sold Tx

Thanks for everyone's continuing support

Thanks to all Kristians Uni- Friends

2009-05-17T11:17:00.004+01:00

Hi ,
Thanks to everyone that has donated to our challenge from Uni the last person being Afton.

" You have cared enough to make a difference in someones life and we applaud you all for that"

Thanks from the 3smoothbikers

Thank You Mum - Bet Adcock

2009-05-14T09:54:00.003+01:00

My wonderful mum is helping to organise a raffle to be drawn next week, along with her friends at the A.V.I.C. Centre for the Blind in Barwell.

She has been busily selling raffle tickets, and members of the group have been donating raffle prizes and selling tickets too. So far the total they have raised is £100!

There are various prizes including a Family Ticket to Twycross Zoo, 2 x £10 M&S Vouchers, Large Teddy Bear, Bottle of Wine, Men's Hip Flask, various body lotions and potions, gift sets and lots, lots more!

The tickets are £1 per strip - so please call and ask Bet if you would like to buy any before next Wednesday morning, when the group are meeting again.

Thanks Mum & Friends at the Centre in Barwell!!

Pete & Val

The Winner of the Car Logo Quiz is .......

2009-05-14T09:46:00.008+01:00

...... (big drum roll) ........ Jody Niner from Broughton Astley. Congratulations! Your prize is on it's way to you.

Jody's entry got picked out of a large bag at random and he got 100% correct - if anyone would like a copy of the answers emailing to them - please contact us on peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk and we'll send them to you.

A BIG BIG thank you to all those who took part and sorry you couldn't all win something. Thank you also to all our friends, family and colleagues who helped to spread the quiz around the country and sold them for us, it's really appreciated (some were from Scotland and some were from the South).

(Some made donations at the Cycling events and took a quiz so it's difficult to put an accurate figure, and some kindly donated more than the entry fee, but at least £197 was raised from the quizes and we had 77 posted back to us which is fantastic).

Again, thank you for your support and for helping LOROS.

Val & Pete

Thanks Shirley Snow for your effort in getting sponsorship for us

2009-05-10T14:15:00.006+01:00

Hi,
Received today £100:00 in cash from "our extended family member " Shirley who works for Welcome Break service station at Leicester Forest East .
She wanted to take on the challenge herself to help raise money for us.

From all of us involved thank you for what you have done and for the people that your contribution WILL make a difference to in their lives

T x

Thank you to John Holberry and Katie

2009-05-02T14:34:00.010+01:00

Hi,
Received a cheque for £100:00 today from my daughters employer John Holberry who is Managing Director of Magners plus a kind donation from Katie his lovely 12 year old daughter for £10:00 from her own savings
"An Angel in Disguise"

Thank you both for helping us to help others

Tony x

Car Logo Quiz - Closing Date Soon ............

2009-04-30T11:52:00.002+01:00

Hi All

The closing date is officially the 'end of April' for this quiz (ie today). However, due to being off work and on holiday all of next week we have decided to wait until w/c 11 May until organising the draw of the winner - this will give everyone a chance for any last minute entries being posted to us and also if there are any waiting for us at work etc on 11 May they can be included.

So ......... just to keep you informed really, and if you hadn't yet finished the quiz ....... get googling! :O) Just need to get 90% of the answers to be in with a chance to win.

And thank you all to those who have already sent their entries in and GOOD LUCK. A couple of people have attached cheques for £5 and that is fantastic. If you would like copies of the answers after 11 May please email me peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk

Val & Pete

Thank You Neil Clarke & Judy Youngs ........

2009-04-28T14:49:00.002+01:00

Neil who works with me at GDS has kindly given me a lot of hand made greetings cards for fundraising for LOROS, crafted and donated by his cousin Judy Youngs.

He has also been selling these at work and has handed me £13.00 to go towards our total raised.

A Big Thank You to both of you, it is much appreciated.

Val

Our Next Event in June ..... Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre - Brilliant Day Out

2009-04-27T21:32:00.005+01:00

Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre

A collection of experts all in one room - Come along and just browse, have a treatment or reading, chat and find out more information, or treat yourself to something nice! Everything you could need, ranging from the Mystical or Alternative Therapies to Pampering, Health, Beauty, plus wedding accessories custom made, jewellery & products for sale. We will also be having a clinical hypnotherapy Stop Smoking Session. Lots of talks and demonstrations throughout the day and the guys will be present, doing a bit of cycling and fundraising too.

Sunday 14 June 2009
11 am – 4 pm
At Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth
FREE ADMISSION - but there will be Loros Collection Buckets if you could pop some spare change in those instead that would be great - bring your friends!

Amazing Raffle being held and tickets available before the event so get in touch if you would like some - 1st Prize – Residential Spa Break at Reeds, Yew Lodge Hotel), vouchers for various treatments and sessions.
Refreshments & Snacks Available to purchase from the Hotel
AND BEST OF ALL - ALL PROCEEDS TO GO TO LOROS HOSPICE CHARITY

If you would like to book a stall at the event or have any queries please contact the Organiser - Email: peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk We have just a few left.

Hope you can come along to the event and support us.

Just some of the stalls so far:-

Yvonne at Frankly Unique, wedding accessories, Jewellery & hair decorations etc www.franklyunique.co.uk * Jan & Jane Weiss at Just Soaps, hand made natural soap & bodycare products http://www.just-soaps.co.uk/ * Sheena Woodman - hopi ear treatments, various massage taster sessions * Reeds at Yew Lodge beauty & health spa treatments * Janet Greenwood - Clinical Hypnotherapy (stop smoking session) * Lynne Tan Watson - Herbs & Natural Products * Maggie Horner & daughter - Reiki & Soaps with Reiki * Harrison Richards - Contemporary Palmistry & Hand Analysis http://www.palm-reading.co.uk/ * Bobbie Pierrepoint & Toni Mann - Master Energy Colour & Sound Therapy * Ehitram Haq of Unified Health & Fitness Ltd - Personal Trainer, Diet & Nutrition * Frances Munro - Natural Channelling * + More .............

Congratulations Anne Phelp of Coleorton ........

2009-04-27T12:20:00.003+01:00

........... Anne is the lucky winner of the "Guess the Teddy's Name" Competition which we ran over Easter at Leicester Makro and Wyevale Garden Centre.

Anne Phelp from Coleorton wins a lovely Yellow Bunny Rabbit (called "Paul") and some chocolate and Val will be delivering it to her on her way home from work tomorrow.

Enjoy! And Thank You to all those who took part ..... sorry you couldn't all win

Val, Fay, Dani, Pete, Tony & Frank

Thank You Dave Illingworth

2009-04-27T09:41:00.003+01:00

Thanks to Dave, Shift Manager at GDS, and who works with Val, for donating some items to sell or use as prizes/auction etc.

Included are some stilts, a pogo stick (both for big boys) and a kids microscope and a beer chiller. (Wonder if you could use them all at once? See you in A&E ................... lol). Anyone interested in purchasing these, let me know .......... all proceeds for LOROS as usual.

Thanks

Val x

Thank You Pitney Bowes

2009-04-27T09:07:00.004+01:00

A Big Thank You to David Kirkham, Business Development Manager Financial Services UK & ROI from Pitney Bowes Business Insight (Group 1 Software) in Watford, Hertfordshire.

David has very kindly donated a fantastic prize to use in our fundraising efforts - an iPod nano 8 GB - in Special Edition RED™

Thank You so much David - we really appreciate it.

http://www.g1.com/

Val :oP

To Jack the No 1 " Couch Surfer "

2009-04-26T10:41:00.005+01:00

Hi,
Big thank you to Jack "THE STAR" who is all the way over in Australia, thinking of me and donating £10:00 to our named charity. Have seen the pictures of your travels with Kris, and looking good Jack. When you're back make sure you come see us, safe couch surfing, you're in our thoughts.

Regards Tony & family

Thank You Sheena Woodman .......

2009-04-22T09:30:00.003+01:00

Sheena donated some lovely items recently for Prizes, Tombola etc.

A Big Thank You and for continuing to support us and coming to lots of events, helping out with scratchcards, quizes etc. She is also going to be involved in the Wellbeing & Mystic Event in June and we will be needing some support on the day so I hope lots of people can attend.

Thank You Sheena - Star Friend!

Val xx

PS Visit Sheena's website for some fantastic treatments ........ http://www.self1.co.uk/

Thank You Deborah Allen & Also Jongleurs in Leicester

2009-04-21T09:20:00.007+01:00

A big thank you to Deb who was 21 again on 3 April (haha), and who sold tickets for us for her birthday get together for Jongleurs Comedy Club on that evening.

Jongleurs in Leicester also kindly donated tickets for us to sell for fundraising and gave us front row seats - A Big Thank You to Laura Williams, Jongleurs Leicester Show Manager.

£82.50 was raised to add to our totals for LOROS.

It was a great night and thank you to those that came along and hope you enjoyed the evening! And Finally H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y Deborah from all her friends.

Val & Pete x

PS Thank you for your continuing support & for selling scratchcards, circulating quizes, and attending our events! What a star! :O)

www.jongleurs.co.uk

Our Next Event raising funds

2009-04-21T08:49:00.004+01:00

Hi

Looking forward to our next event set up by Fay x. An open invitation was sent to her work colleagues to come to a Skittles Evening with food at The Heathcote Arms in Croft on Friday 24th April.

She has arrange for it to be a social get together and has also set up a raffle to take part on the night. Thanks to Val x for providing the prizes.

Will give feed back after the event, Regards

Tony

Thanks to Sue Newcombe and her Team at Asda

2009-04-21T08:31:00.011+01:00

Hi, continued with our fundraising ....... this time we set the training bike up at the entrance to Asda Store in Hinckley on Saturday 18th April. Greeted by lots of nice people encouraging us to "keep up the good work", we all had a great day and are really pleased with the outstanding generosity of the people. A Big Thank You to Asda and Sue Newcombe & her Team for making it happen.

So ..... on the day we raised a massive £641.80. Giving us a grand total now of £3,456.19.

Again thanks to our loved ones Danika, Dani, Paige and Fay (who was dressed as the cowgirl) and Val (the Indian Squaw) who again supported us in our challenge to raise more money xxxxx

www.asda.co.uk

As always, thanks to everyone for their total support

Tony, Frank and Pete x

Thanks to Makro and Wyvale Garden Centre for our fundraising Events over the Easter period

2009-04-14T17:08:00.008+01:00

Hi
Thanks to both Stores and for their staff on supporting our challenge and for all that donated over the Easter weekend and a special thank you to all the people that made a point to come and take time to talk and encourage us to continue what we all feel we will achieve.

A total of £581:00 was raised from both events

Giving us a grand total of £2815:37.

Need to keep making reference to this but "thank you to all our families and friends understanding why we are doing this and for their continued undying support"

Tony , Pete and Frank x .

What next on our Calender of events?

2009-04-03T15:13:00.011+01:00

Hi ,

Just to make the date known for the next event which is happening.

The next challenge will be at the Hinckley Asda Store at approx
( 09:00 till late) on Saturday 18th April.

If you are visiting the store please stop and say hello. Also a big thank you to the store for making it happen.

Thanks from the 3Smoothbikers not forgetting Val, Fay, Frances, Dani and Dan for their support on the day

Tony

Thanks to Frank Ward ( No 1 Smoothbiker?)

2009-03-31T15:27:00.002+01:00

Frank arranged a social gathering of friends around his house at the weekend provided food and drink friends paid £10:00 each for the evenings get together .
Money passed on and counted Frank along with his friends raised £228:79p A big thank you to everyone who attended and especially to Frank for the organization of the event.

Thank you

Thank you to Karen at "Bet Fred"

2009-03-31T05:07:00.005+01:00

Hi
Another big thank you to Karen xx
For selling 40 Car Quiz sheets in Bet Fred's Sports Betting Shop in Coalville and for also setting up a raffle within the shop and raising another £20:00
Making a total of £60:00 towards our target

www.betfred.co.uk

Thanks from "The 3Smooth bikers "

Thank You to Sue Newcombe and Andy Tee

2009-03-28T15:12:00.007Z

Hi ,
Have now added another fund raising challenge to our Calender of events. Have had kind permission from Hinckley's Asda store to spend the day there on Saturday the 18th of April and set up a " training bike" at the entrance to the Store where all 3 of the smoothbikers will take it in hour long sessions to spin, and to have collection buckets to except loose change from the shoppers on the day who would like to donate. Thank you to Asda for there permission and for Sue Newcombe for her hard work who was the contact at the Asda Super Store for bringing this all together to make it happen.

www.asda.co.uk

Also a big thank you to Andy Tees Manager of
The Abbey Sports & Leisure Health Club for his kind donation of a training cycle for the days challenge

Please take time to visit his Leisure Health Club by following the link which is www.abbeysports.co.uk.

With a purpose built swimming complex, gym, fitness suite, squash courts, toning salon and relaxing bar area, we offer a great selection of classes and activities to enjoy and friendly staff dedicated on helping you achieve your goals.

A NEW YOU FOR 2009 - Free Trial Promotion
Why not take advantage of our latest offer...

Come down to Abbey Sports & Leisure and try our facilities for yourself, with a friend if you wish, in a no obligation free trial – giving you a chance to spend some time with an instructor and find out how we can help you.

Call us on 0116 242 2222 or email mailto:leicester@abbeysports.co.uk?subject=Contact%20From%20Website for more details or to book your free trial.

Best Regards

Tony

Thank You to The Heathcote Arms in Croft ...........

2009-03-18T09:35:00.003Z

Thank You to Ian & Julie at The Heathcote Arms in Croft for having a collection jar. This was the second pub that Tony, Pete and Val visited on Friday evening (Val is liking this part!).

There was an Irish band on when we arrived for St Patrick's Day and a party being held in another room - lots going on! You can also arrange to play skittles here and they have a restaurant & beer garden too.

(Val is wanting to write an Everard's pub guide, and urges her friends to come and help her - lol!!) :O)

http://www.everards.co.uk/pubs/heathcote_arms_78/

The Heathcote Arms, Hill Street, Croft, Leicestershire LE9 3EG
Tel: 01455 282439

Thank You to Steve at The Red Lion Huncote ....

2009-03-18T09:25:00.004Z

Tony, Pete & Val visited The Red Lion in Huncote on Fri 13 March.

Steve McMullian donated two very large bottles of money for our LOROS appeal. The two bottles were counted and came to a fantastic total of £308.80!! Thank you so much not only to Steve and to all the customers and staff at The Red Lion! (& thanks to Tony & Fay + family for counting).

We have also left a LOROS collection tin with Steve and would like to say a very big thank you for the support of everyone so far - we have been overwhelmed by the response to help us.

Picture will follow shortly!

Check out the website:
http://www.everards.co.uk/pubs/red_lion_112/
Beer garden and skittles facilities

Red Lion - Main Street, Huncote, Leicestershire LE9 6AH
Tel: 0116 2862233

Thank You - The Greyhound Inn, Burton on the Wolds

2009-03-18T09:20:00.004Z

Our First Everard's Pub Visit - Thank You to Paul & Tina at The Greyhound Inn at Burton-on-the-Wolds. We deposited our collection tin and were also given a bottle of Champagne for a prize - many thanks! We are also hoping to arrange a meal in the near future here so if anyone interested in joining us please get in touch.

The Greyhound Inn, 25 Melton Road, Burton-on-the-Wolds,Burton-on-the-Wolds, Loughborough LE12 5AG
Tel: 01509 880860

Great Food & Beautiful Beer Garden!

See Website for Details:
http://www.everards.co.uk/pubs/greyhound_inn_74/

The Moment You Have All Been Waiting For ......

2009-03-18T09:03:00.029Z

.... 3 Handsome Cyclists!

.......................................................................................

(Click on above images to enlarge)

Here is the action shot! Get peddling guys!!!!! Pete to the left, Frank in the middle and Tony on the right.

Next is the posing picture

Again, thank you to the PR Department (Erika Hardy, Mickey Sandu) at Everards Brewery who arranged for the photographer and donated 3 t-shirts, and thank you to Everards in general for all the support & encouragement given.

Val

The Question being asked?

2009-03-16T15:24:00.007Z

Hi
Have followed up the question that is being asked and that is "How many people are taking part in the challenge?" Phoned today and spoke to the organisers and to date there are 130 cyclists registered, all raising sponsorships for their own named charities.

Best Regards

Tony

A Big Thanks to Graham Ridgway MD

2009-03-13T15:25:00.005Z

Hi
Once again been blown away by peoples kindness, meet Graham for the first time today and he has pledge £100 to our challenge.
Graham is the managing Director of "QAV" Quality Assured Valeting a local based company
His Companies logo states..............................................

" Big enough to cope - Small enough to care"

If you could use his service please call 07787576609 to speak to Graham please mention you found his contact name and number through our blog site

A Good Service Guaranteed

Best regards

Tony

Thanks to HPB MD James Boyce.

2009-03-11T08:45:00.007Z

Hi
Have received a cheque for £75:00 from James the Holiday Property Bond MD which Fay and I have been members for 10 Years in that time we have had " Holiday Satisfaction Guaranteed" through out the world with The Company having 25 Years of Exclusive Holidays.
The Holiday Property Bond does not and never has borrowed money to fund its new developments. After reading this please take time in visiting their web-site www.hpb.co.uk or to gain any information that you would like to know ring the General Enquires line on 01638660066.
Once again thanks to James and all the HPB Team members for the kind donation

Tony/ Fay

Everards Lottery Bonus Ball

2009-03-04T21:52:00.006Z

Pete and Frank have arranged a weekly lottery bonus ball at Everards, where they both work, and this has been going for a few weeks now - thank you to all those who are taking part and to Frank for collecting the money and making things run smoothly. This raises £24.50 every week towards LOROS and the cycle challenge goal. The winners also receive the same amount - so everyone's happy.

The football scratchcards are also selling quite well - thank you to all those who are selling them for us, friends, family and colleagues.

We are receiving a few car logo quizes back - but still need to send more out - please continue to send them out to your friends and family and email to your contacts, and drop some at your hairdressers when you go etc. Closing date is not until end of April, so plenty of time. Thank You - you're doing a great job.

The money is steadily creeping up as you will see from the just giving icon on this site, and it is such a great feeling to be part of this and raising money for others. The lads are all training hard and have each bought a new bike recently ready for Paris, and are all cycling to work regularly too. (They are doing between 150 and 250 miles per week each at the moment).

And thanks to the guys who keep myself and Fay amused with their new "garments" they have just purchased. Keep going with the training guys, you're doing a great job!

Val :O)

PS - Have a great time those who are going to Butlins this weekend! :O) Take your collecting tins, lol.

Photo Shoot at Everards Pub .......

2009-03-04T21:40:00.005Z

............ you will not have to wait much longer .............. the unveiling of the 3 bikers photo's is imminent.

Today, Pete, Frank and Tony had their photos taken at The Greyhound Public House in Burton-on-the-Wolds. Thank you to the PR Department (Erika Hardy, Mickey Sandu) at Everards Brewery who arranged for the photographer and donated 3 t-shirts. The occasion was to deliver a LOROS collection tin and also to receive a bottle of Champagne which was kindly donated by Paul & Tina from The Greyhound as a raffle prize for fundraising - Thank You to Paul & Tina.

This was as a result of a letter being sent out to every Everards tennant, asking if they would be able to support the guys and if they could cycle to their pub to deliver the collecting tins as part of their training. A big thank you to Everards for all they are doing in supporting us.

Hopefully we will have copies of the photos soon and you will be able to see them!

Does Anyone Know ............ ?

2009-03-03T14:38:00.005Z

........ where we can get cheap balloons (preferably red & yellow to match the Loros colours) and cheap helium from?

Would like to do a balloon release at some events and been looking into it - have some guidelines to ensure that it is environmentally friendly and which balloons can and cannot use etc - but just need to get some at a good price to make it viable for the charity. Was looking at charging probably £1.50 per balloon and attaching a cardboard label. Then set a deadline of say 2 months and the furthest one found away from where released - both people get a prize - but just in my "ideas" stage at the moment.

Any suggestions or help really appreciated - if you have experience of doing one of these would also love to hear from you. Please contact Val (peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk)

Thanks :O)

UPDATE - have since found a website who will supply everything - is there a Company out there who would be willing to sponsor it? Total cost for approx 200 balloons would be around £200 approximately.

Thanks to Steve at the Red Lion, Barlestone

2009-03-01T15:01:00.013Z

Hi to everyone

Update on the meal that was held at The Red Lion Saturday night Feb 28th

People said that the night and the meal was very good & the night was a great success for our charity with a combined total of £197.00 raised

Thanks to Steve and his staff

Also, thanks to everyone that attended and took part in the suggestion form - some great ideas, will be following up and especially from Viv and Dave who wrote they would be willing to donate a trip on their Narrow boat on the River Soar perhaps as a raffle prize. (Thank you Viv & Dave for your £20.00 sponsorship money also, which was handed in on the night) :O)

***

Some more thank you's ......................
Frances Findley who has gained 3 token vouchers from The Hilton at Fosse Park for
. A 7 day pass for livingwell health club
. A Full body Massage
. And a Facial
These to be either auctioned or used within a raffle as a prize
Thanks to Dani Findley for donating a box of her special chocolates to raffle and for Fay Findley in setting up the raffle for the chocs at her work place over the last week and making £30:00
Thanks to Val Cooper & Val's mum - Pauline & Frank for supplying all the raffle prizes for the evening and also to Steve at the Red Lion who also donated a bottle of champagne to use as a prize on the evening (which Dan - Frank's son won - and then kindly donated back for a prize again)

Thanks to everyone involved

People Have Been Asking What Route we are Taking ........

2009-02-26T22:11:00.007Z

London to Paris Cycle Route Itinerary:

5 days / 4 nights
Depart: Wednesday from Greenwich
Return: Sunday Paris to London

Introduction

Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque Kent countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement.

Our last day in Paris allows us to explore the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this majestic town!

Day 1: London – Calais

An early start from Greenwich allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We continue our journey along the North Downs Way and along small country roads to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais we have dinner on board and stay overnight in our Calais hotel. (Lunch included, riders buy their own dinner on the ferry).
Cycle approximately 153km (95 miles)

Day 2: Calais – Abbeville

After a hearty breakfast we head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and quiet back roads. Cycling inland from the coast, we avoid busy Boulogne and pass east through ancient Desvres, renowned for its pottery. Following quiet winding roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River, and cross the river to Hesdin, a pretty town near the site of the historic battle of Agincourt. Continuing south, our final 30km brings us to the River Somme and the town of Abbeville. Abbeville suffered badly in a German air raid in World War 2, but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence and its Gothic church has been largely restored to its former glory.

Cycle approximately 120km (75 miles)

Day 3: Abbeville – Beauvais

Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of man who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow shady beech-tree-lined avenues so typically French, into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat and through agricultural lands. Our day ends at Beauvais, a town renowned for its large gothic cathedral.
Cycle approximately 110km (70 miles)

Day 4: Beauvais – Paris

Our final day's cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. Cycling is the national sport of France and while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb on St. Denis we reach the River Seine, and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne until we reach the Pont d'Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower.

Cycle approximately 95km (60 miles)

Day 5: Paris - London

After breakfast we are free for the rest of the day to explore the city (hopefully Fay & Val will be joining us), going up the Eiffel Tower or visiting renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame cathedral. We then need to get ourselves to the Gare du Nord on time for our evening Eurostar train back to St Pancras.

Thanks for looking

Tony

Woodlands Nurseries Event EASTER MONDAY 13th April

2009-02-24T14:25:00.008Z

Come along and support the lads who will be cycling away outside the Woodlands on Easter Monday - 13 April
( Bag packing organised at the checkouts can you help??).

Great place to visit - whether its a hardy shrub, an exotic orchid, unusual water feature or garden seating that you're looking for - you'll find it here. Nearly 2,000,000 plants are grown on the on-site nursery ready for customers. Also under the same roof is the aquatics and pet store offering everything you could want for your pet. You can also relax and have a drink in the Courtyard Cafe where you can get a wide range of food and beverages (tempting home made cakes, dishes from around the world and good traditional British fayre).

Situated on the A447 3 miles north of Hinckley.

Woodlands Nurseries, Ashby Road, Stapleton, Leicester LE9 8JE

www.woodlandnurseries.co.uk

A Big Thank You to the Staff at Woodlands for making this happen!

New Bank Account

2009-02-18T19:52:00.004Z

An update on the new Account

Have opened an Account with HSBC Bank today

So any cheques please make out to the named account

'Cycle for Loros'

Have deposited the hard cash so we now have £665.77p sitting in the account

Thanks to everyone who contributed

Tony / Pete

Amazon Purchases & Other Links

2009-02-18T15:28:00.002Z

If you are buying anything via Amazon website, please consider going via our link at the side so that a small percentage of what you purchase will be paid by Amazon to us for advertising. I will then ensure that this gets put into the LOROS account.

You may see other links appear which will also do the same thing hopefully. Every little helps!

Val :O)

CAR LOGO QUIZ - Get Your Copy Now .......

2009-02-18T11:21:00.005Z

Fantastic Prize of "V Pleasurable Voucher" worth £99 for Virgin Experience Days (see www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk for range of activities can take part in).

Just £1 per entry once you have completed the sheet. You have various car manufacturers/logos that you need to name. Great fun and very addictive!

Thank You Belgrave Rugby Club .........

2009-02-18T09:10:00.005Z

A Big Thank You to Belgrave Rugby Club ........... they raised £109 for LOROS towards our challenge at their Annual Dinner recently.

It is really appreciated.

Frank / Pete / Tony

Want to Win Some Money???

2009-02-17T10:19:00.006Z

We have a few football scratchcard games available if anyone is able to take one to work for us or if you attend anywhere that there is a large amount of people you mix with.

Basically we have 2 different cards - 1 with 20 squares and 1 with 40 squares. You set your own stake money and winning amount. For example if you use the 40 square card, you sell each square to your friends and colleagues for £1, when the card is full you have £40. So you could have £20 for the winning square (which is revealed under the sealed strip) and £20 for LOROS or £25 for the winner and £15 for LOROS. It's up to you!

If you could help with this, just let us know and we'll get a card to you - it would really help us on our way and take the pressure off keeping asking the same people for help - we don't want people to start avoiding us :O)

Take Care!
Val x

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE SELLING THE SCRATCHCARDS FOR US - YOU'RE DOING A FANTASTIC JOB - Val (added 25 Feb)

Want to Hire a Bouncing Castle?

2009-02-10T15:43:00.004Z

Hi
Want to make a donation to our charity for a Saturday or Sundays use of a 15' x 12' Bouncing Castle with a ball pond? Weekends availiable. Will deliver/ set up and collect. Times and dates to be agreed along with the location. Summer months are ideal for its use. Not tied down to one person's donation will list on the blog site weekends that have been pre-booked Minimum price £40:00
Please confirm a booking request before paying any donation.

Please deal directly with Tony

tony.findley@homecall.co.uk

Thanks

Official Collecting Tins

2009-02-09T11:54:00.003Z

Help Needed
****************
We have a number of official Loros collecting tins - if you are willing to place one in your workplace/reception area etc for us - let us know (but obtain permission first). As Frank & Pete work for Everards, the lads are going to cycle around all the Everards pubs in Leicestershire and place one on the bars!

Also looking at organising "bike riding sessions" inside supermarket foyers to raise money, so we will let you know when and where this will happen so that you can go and cheer them on and give them some much needed support (still think they should do it in fancy dress!) :O)

Good luck guys!

Jongleurs Friday 31 July £7.50 Each

2009-02-08T13:34:00.004Z

We have 15 tickets for Jongleurs on Friday 31 July - cost £7.50 each. Tickets normally cost £12.00 each but the entire £7.50 per person will be donated to LOROS so all in a good cause, and a good night out too. Get in touch if you would like us to reserve a ticket for you. Or would a company group like a social get together? Only got 15, and I know it's a way off yet, but first come first served. We are hoping to do other nights at Jongleurs so watch this space.

A Big Thank You to Laura Williams, Jongleurs in Leicester!

We now have a Just Giving page .............

2009-02-04T15:14:00.011Z

We now have a Just Giving page for anyone who would like to sponsor Tony / Pete / Frank if this is an easier option :O)

http://www.justgiving.com/3smoothbikers

A Big Thank You All, both for Your Support & Kindness - it is greatly appreciated

Meal Saturday 28 February @ Red Lion in Barlestone

2009-01-28T10:50:00.006Z

Hi All

Tony has arranged a meal at The Red Lion in Barlestone on Saturday 28 February at 7.30 pm. Please get in touch if you would like to join us ..... would love to see you! We have approx 30 places, so let us know and we can sort the menu choices.

The cost is £15 for a 2 course meal, or £20 for a 3 course meal. £5 of this will be donated to LOROS by The Red Lion - A big thank you to them! Thank You.

(We now have the menu which looks delicious ..................)
STARTERS
Chef's Soup of the Day
Served with crunchy croutons
--
Fanned Honeydew Melon & Fruit Sorbet
Garnished with fresh fruits
--
Salmon & Spring Onion Fishcakes Rolled in Oats
Served with Cranberry Sauce

MAINS
Braised Steak in a Guinness & Black Pepper Sauce
--
Poached Supreme of Chicken
Coated in a Wholegrain Mustard Cream
--
Oven Baked Salmon Fillet
Served with a Café de Paris Butter
--
Lemon & Basil Vegetable Pasta
Served with Garlic Bread

DESSERTS
Selection of Hot & Cold Desserts to choose on the night

Appeal for Help

2009-01-26T11:03:00.007Z

If anyone has any unwanted Christmas pressies, vouchers or items that you do not want that we could use for Charity Raffle Prizes etc throughout the year, we would be very grateful for them - please contact Pete, Val, Tony, Fay or Frank.

Also we have set up charity libraries at our various places of employment and would welcome any old books, CD's or DVD's that you no longer want. All the proceeds will go into the LOROS pot.

Finally if anyone would like to sponsor the lads for LOROS, please get in touch.

We will be arranging a few events and social evenings, and will publish the details on this blog so hopefully see you at one of them! Watch this space for news!!!

Thank you so much for your support, it is really appreciated.

Val xx :O)

* Big Thank You to Steve Davis for a donation of books - you're a star!

Sunday 14 June - Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre - Come Along and Support LOROS

2009-01-26T10:39:00.010Z

Charity LOROS Event
Wellbeing & Mystic Fayre

Sunday 14 June 2009
11 am – 4 pm
At Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, Kegworth
£2 Admission Including Raffle Entry

(1st Prize – Residential Spa Break at Reeds, Yew Lodge Hotel)
Refreshments & Snacks Available to purchase from the Hotel
ALL PROCEEDS TO GO TO LOROS HOSPICE CHARITY

If you would like to book a stall at the event or have any queries please contact the Organiser - Email: peteval.home@yahoo.co.uk

See Comments Section to see the stalls we have reserved so far - hope you can come along to the event and support us. The guys are hopefully going to be cycling on the day somewhere near the entrance to the event to give them some extra training so could do with as many friends and relatives as possible to turn up to provide encouragement (especially wearing those shorts! Ha Ha). - Val

Stalls so far:-Yvonne at Frankly Unique, wedding accessories, Jewellery & hair decorations etc (www.franklyunique.co.uk)Jan & Jane Weiss at Just Soaps, hand made natural soap & bodycare products (http://www.just-soaps.co.uk/)

Sheena Woodman - hopi ear treatments, various massage taster sessions

Reeds at Yew Lodge beauty & health spa treatments

possibly Val Cooper (me!) selling items TBC

Anita Bentley - Aloe Vera & natural products

Frances Munro - Natural Channel/Spiritual

Janet Greenwood - Clinical Hypnotherapy (may have a stop smoking session!)

Lisa McKenzie - Massage & Therapies

Lynne Tan Watson - Herbs & Natural Products

Maggie Horner - Reiki & Soaps with ReikiNeil Fletcher - Kick Boxing & Health