DAY 10 FINAL DAY - LAUNCESTON TO LAND'S END

Started off from Launceston at about 8.30am and had a fair few downpours before reaching services near Redruth for a dry off and some lunch. Set off again for the last 30ish miles in pouring rain but after half an hour the sun came out, shining brightly. At about 4.30pm the cyclists came over the hill towards the finish line and were cheered in by a big group of friends and family. After photos and getting their route stamped, the bikes were loaded into the trailer and it was off to Falmouth to get ready for the charity auction at Mango Tango.

WOOOOHOOOO!!! JOGLE DONE IN 10 DAYS, FAB EFFORT EVERYONE!!!

82 miles
TOTAL - 922 miles

DAY 9 - TAUNTON TO LAUNCESTON

Set off on a lovely day but with some still suffering from the dodgy tummies!! Nathan suffered a couple of punctures. They stopped at services for lunch and were met by Me (Lisa) and Josh. After lunch it was on to Launceston to the campsite to get some rest before the final day.

90 miles
TOTAL - 840 miles

DAY 8 - HEREFORD TO TAUNTON

Got to the cemetary at 8am, after an hour's tinker time and Nathan cycling off to get his new gears and chain fixed. They set off at 9.15am. They made good time to the other side of Bristol, but everyone was hit with a dodgy tummy. They arrived at the campsite at 7pm and went off to a local Harvester for some grub.



95 miles
TOTAL - 750 miles

Article in West Briton:

Carl takes on epic cycle ride in memory of 'cheeky' niece
Wednesday, June 10, 2009, 12:37

AN auction is to be held in Falmouth on Monday in support of a Hayle man's epic cycle ride in aid of the charity, Young at Heart.

Carl Adams is one of a team of nine currently cycling from John O'Groats to Land's End in memory of his niece, Sophia Williams, who died last year aged just two.

"Sophia was cheeky and into everything a young child gets into and was loved by us all," said Carl.

"For nine months, Sophia was a healthy little baby and then without warning she suffered a cardiac arrest.

"This proved to be the start of numerous visits to the hospitals and specialists.
"Although totally dedicated, they were unable to save Sophia.
"After much deliberation with friends and family, we made a decision to celebrate Sophia's short life and in an effort to make a difference for other mums and dads who are and will go through similar circumstances, we set up Sophia's Legacy.

Dedicated
"A group of ordinary people have decided to raise money for Sophia's Legacy and through Young At Heart, a dedicated charity which helps babies and children suffering from various heart diseases and disorders, we could not find a better way of making a difference."

The team set off from Scotland on Saturday and are due to reach Land's End on Monday.
To mark the achievement, and boost fund-raising, Carl has organised a charity auction, to be held at Mango Tango that night.

The evening will be hosted by Pirate FM's James Dundon, and will also include entertainment from New Zealand singer/songwriter, Michael Scorey, who has toured with the likes of Elvis Costello and INXS.
There will also be a DJ and karaoke.

Among the items to go under the hammer are paintballing for eight people, a buffet for 20, bowling for four, Fal River cruise for four, a midi moto bike and a Wii accessories bundle.
There have also been some "personal promises" made which include the services of a handyman for a day, a two hour French lesson and an outdoor climbing session for two.

"The generosity of local businesses has been overwhelming," said Carl.
Support from one Falmouth business came in the form of Carl's bike.
Sarah and Mike Slater, of Annie's Kitchen in Church Street, donated the bike which Carl is currently peddling across Britain.

Entry to Monday's auction, starting at 7pm, will cost £1.50 with all the money raised going to Young at Heart.

DAY 7 - SHREWSBURY TO HEREFORD

Started off at 10am, stopped off at Ludlow at about 12 then carried on cycling towards Hereford!!! Surprise at Leominster, where Lisa, Joshua, Christine, Nerys, Naomi, Elise and Keira were waiting with banners and lots of whooping!!!! Then everyone made our way up to the cemetary, the group came up the road in a cluster (looked amazing) and everyone made their way over to Sophia's grave. It was very emotional!!!



48 miles

TOTAL - 655 miles

The Cyclists:

DAY 6 - PRESTON TO SHREWSBURY

They started at 10.30am from Preston but had a slow day due to some injuries. Carl's knees are really troubling him now and Jon is having problems with his achilles tendon. They arrived in Shrewsbury at 8.15pm.

84 miles
TOTAL - 607 miles

HEREFORD TIMES

Here's our bit from the local paper:-


It says:

"A Hereford couple whose baby died of heart problems are saddling up for the charity that supported them. John and Louisa Williams' daughter, Sophia, died from heart failure last year. The Bobblestock couple were at the two-year old's bedside at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
But they weren't alone - Young@Heart provided vital support adn now the couple want to repay them. Seven friends and family members have joined the pair on a fundraising cycle ride from John O'Groats to Lands End. The team travelled from across the UK to start the nine-day adventure last Saturday.
Louisa, who is helping the support team, said "We started talking about it in September and were going to keep it in the family, but the word got out and other people wanted to get involved."
Young@Heart is based in the hospital and provides support and respite for parents of chidren suffering from heart problems.
Sophia suffered a cardiac arrest at nine months and spent Christmas 2006 in hospital. She made a good recovery but her problems returned and died on Mother's Day, 2008.
Her parents, who released three pink balloons on her birthday, have already raised £2,000 through a concert at Newbridge Farm Park, and are confident of reaching £10,000.
People can support them by visiting cycle4children.com."

DAY 5 - GRETNA TO PRESTON

Late start of 11am but made good time, went up 1400ft to Kendal, then all downhill. The fastest speed for Nath was 41mph coming down the hill. Once Preston was in sight Stephen was pushing on as home was in reach!! Got to Preston 8.30pm, loaded the minibus and made the short journey into Chorley to their bed for the night!! Ordered Pizza which arrived at about 11pm then sleep!!

105 miles
TOTAL - 523 miles

DAY 4 - ARDEN (LOCH LOMOND) TO GRETNA

What a day!!! They started out at 9am from Lomond Lodge, got well and truly lost going through Glasgow, but with a little help from me with the computer and a friendly Glaswegian policeman they managed to get out!!! Arrived at Gretna at 9.30pm had fish and chips, then travelled 37 miles in the minibus to get to their accommodation for the night!!! The B&B was lovely which made up for the long journey to it!!

136 miles
TOTAL - 418 miles

DAY 3 - FORT WILLIAM TO ARDEN (LOCH LOMOND)

They have cycled from Fort William through beautiful mountains today, they set off after getting some repairs done at Offbeat Bikes. They arrived at Lomond Lodge (looks gorgeous, will post a pic when I get it off my phone!!)at about 6pm. There was acouple of injuries today, Stephen sustained a sprain and Carl's knee is a bit swolen. Wayne had 2 punctures, but everyone is still in high spirits.

Pics are Lomond Lodge where they stayed and the view from the window at 7am this morning.

115 miles
TOTAL - 282 miles

DAY 2 - TAIN TO FORT WILLIAM

A late setoff again, took a slightly different route bypassing Inverness and cycled along Loch Ness (they didn't see Nessy but did see seal's sunbathing and a rock that looked like a seal!!!!) A couple of problems with a snapped chain and a buckled wheel, but they made it to Fort William. They were even joined for some of the way. They stopped at a Youth Hostel and went for Chinese, they said it was nice to have a bed.

115 miles
TOTAL 197 miles

DAY 1 - JOHN O GROATS TO TAIN

Set off was later than anticipated but they registered and set off at 9.45. After 30 miles they hit the monster of all hills but all managed it!!! Well done!!! They managed to get another meal out of the friends from the day before, which was apparentaly absolutley gorgeous!!! They set up camp in Tain and got some more rest before the next day, the only mishap was a couple of punctures, Nathan managed 2 miles and Carl fell off his bike a couple of times.

82 miles

TRAVEL TO JOHN O GROATS

The group set off at 7am on Friday (5th June) in the mini bus with the trailer loaded up (and the back of the mini bus - luggage!!!) After stopping off at a few services and a friend who fed them all they set up camp in John o Groats and got some rest before starting the epic cycle the next day!

About Sophia

Please take a moment out of your busy life to allow us to describe a chapter in Sophia’s short life.



Sophia was born 28th January 2006 to John and Louisa Williams, she was cheeky and into everything a young child gets into and was loved by us all.For nine months Sophia was a healthy little baby and then without warning she suffered a cardiac arrest. This proved to be the start of numerous visits to the hospitals and specialist, although totally dedicated they were unable to save Sophia and on 2nd March 2008 weakened by her ordeal she gave up the fight.



Only God knows how much John and Louisa loved Sophia and she will always be the light and joy of their hearts.After much deliberation with friends and family we made a decision to celebrate Sophia’s short life and in an effort to make a difference for other mums and dads who are and will go through similar circumstances, we set up “Sophia’s Legacy”.A group of ordinary people have decided to raise money for “Sophia’s Legacy” and through “Young at Heart, a dedicated Charity which helps babies and children suffering from various heart diseases and disorders we could not find a better way of making a difference.



With your help and support we intend to raise £10,000 over the next twelve months starting with a cycle ride from John o'Groats to Land's End. Starting in June we will cover approximately a thousand miles in ten days.We will have other activities throughout the year which you may like to come along too, but we’ll keep you posted!If you want to monitor our progress or make a donation please visit us at http://cycle4children.com


We thank you for your time, and hope you decide to make a difference……. Sophia’s Legacy



28th January 2006 ~ 2nd March 2008