3 Ton Challenger Ian Gregory presents cheque to Prostate UK
Against the odds, Ian Gregory, completed his Three Ton Cycle Challenge cycling his third 100 mile cycle ride in the Gran Fondo Plymouth, raising over £4,700 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Ian Gregory and his wife, Jacky Gregory went to meet Jon Medcraft, Sporting Events Manager at Prostate UK, to officially close fundraising for 2016 and to make a cheque presentation.
They had a great visit to the offices situated at The Counting House in Tooley Street, London, directly under the Shard and opposite London Bridge train station. The offices were much bigger than they had expected with everyone working feverishly away organising more sporting events, assisting ongoing fundraising, getting ready for the launch of Men United's 'Movemeber' that starts on the 1st November, dealing with the vast finances involved with such a much needed charity, website and social media integration, a dedicated room for the speciality nurses manning the telephones and web-chat to give much needed and invaluable accurate information out to those who are either dealing with or have concerns about Prostate Cancer and of course welcoming guests such as the wife and myself to the offices.
The work carried out here is truly immense and desperately needs our continued support not to mention the funds that go towards scientists searching for cures and far better ways to detect Prostate Cancer long before it becomes a problem.
A photo shoot had been organised presenting a cheque for the £4730.00 raised over 2016 for the '3 Ton Challenge' in memory of Don Exell, however what Ian was not expecting was the award of a much coveted and unpurchasable 'Yellow Jersey'. This is only the second one ever issued after Gary Evans won the first one for the highest fundraiser by midday on the 22nd June 2016 just before the Grand Depart ride from Mont-Saint Michele to Utah Beach.
Ian was moved to tears, welling up slightly but managing to keep things in control. Jon had announced the award on social media later that day saying, 'We've awarded a second Yellow Jersey to 2016 rider Ian Gregory who raised £4,730.00. Ian completed his 'Three Ton Challenge' which included the Grand Depart Classic, and has done an incredible amount of fundraising activities on the Isle of Wight this year, along with his wife Jacky. Thank you Ian and Jacky for your support."
Comments on the post from other riders from last years event in Normandy have just blown me away, comments such as, Doug Chadd "Too right - well done and well deserved!!!!!", "Trevor Coxon "Well deserved. Chapeau Mr Gregory", Tim Wills "Great work Ian Gregory, fantastic total. C U soon", Gary Lucas "Legend !',
but what has to be the best of all is that of the existing Yellow Jersey winner, Gary Evans "A very worthy yellow jersey wearer, Ian your efforts this year have been amazing, well done".
Not only are these high accolades from some far better athletes than Ian but hehas been amazed and very humbled that some of the other riders from the Grand Depart event have even made donations to my own just giving page. Not only were these athletes raising money themselves for Prostate Cancer UK but they felt they should also donate to Prostate Cancer UK for my efforts this year, high praise indeed.
And so the end of fundraising for this year has come and on such a high note. Yes Ian is all signed up for next years Grand Depart from Dusseldorf in Germany to Liege in Belgium, a 125 mile route and once again raising money for Prostate Cancer UK, however there could be a little twist to this event for Ian next year if he can get the help and assistance he needs for a couple of businesses. This Gregory will update uson once the 'T's have been crossed and the 'I's have been dotted.
He has already decided to make an attempt for 10,000 miles for the year considering that this year's fundraising miles have hit 3,555 miles so far with over 3,000 of these since the 5th August alone.
Ian would like to thank everyone who donated this year both online and in cash in the bucket at pedalling events. Also he must thank all of the businesses that have supported him this year, either allowing Ian to pop along and fundraise or assisting with ferry travel.
So Ian would like to thank Tesco Express Wootton, Morrisons at Lake, Waitrose in East Cowes, Busy Bee Garden Centre, V-Dub Island Festival, the Havenstreet Steam Show, Isle of Wight Radio, The Isle of Wight County Press, On The Wight, Gran Fondo Guide, Rockets and Rascals, Red Funnel Ferries and Wightlink, and he hope's he can count on their continued support for 2017.
He would also like to invite other businesses on the Island to get involved and help support Prostate Cancer UK, he will be at many shows again this year and would love to add their names to a supporters banner that we can proudly display, likewise there will be a few things needed to help me pull off an epic event over next years Grand Depart on the continent and would also welcome support for this.
Anyone interested in supporting Ian Gregory's efforts for 2017 can contact him on 01983 533516 or via email at alltrades.iw@gmail.com
Many thanks
Ian and Jacky Gregory
199.1 km
07:00 Eastern, 12:00 UK, 13:00 Europe
