Land's End to John O'Groats, LEJOG 2002, C

On the last morning I ventured out early to complete the last 16 miles from Wick to John O’Groats. The sun shone and a gentle prevailing wind carried me over the final few miles along the coast of North East Scotland. Predictably, the arrival was met with a slight feeling of anti-climax. I was alone, my father preferring to lie in and taste the delights of his last Scottish cooked breakfast than head out at dawn. I was fortunate in finding a Swedish cyclist about to embark on a JOGLE to take some photos as a record to my achievement. My father arrived soon after and some further photos were taken and postcards written to family, friends and sponsors. We then set off towards to Edinburgh to meet Rebecca, my mother and the children arriving for a short vacation in the Highlands. As we drifted back down the A99 my thoughts were drifting towards the next project; may be trans-America was possible after all!

And what had I learnt from the experience? That without chocolate there would be chaos and disorder in the Universe and that my father could be very difficult! More significantly is “To have a dream, make a plan and go for it. You’ll get there I promise! (Quote from a multiple sclerosis sufferer, Zoe Koplowitz, who took over 24 hr to complete the 1993 New York marathon on crutches).

I would like to thank my family, the VMD and many friends and work colleagues who supported my efforts and raised over £3000 for the “Dreams Come True charity”, which as its name suggests exists to bring some laughter and happiness into all too often tragically short lives of the seriously and terminally ill children all over the UK.