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Damian's Blog - Day 10
Last night Harvey announced that we had collectively raised over £350k which has made the pain a little easier to bear. In fact these causes I have been raising money for are very close to my heart, and have inspired me on a number of occasions. We founded the PRA Benevolent Fund in 2002, to help players who have had to retire from the game due to serious injury or illness. There is more information on this website, so please have a look. Probably the highest profile player we have helped has been Matt Hampson, the Leicester Tigers prop who dislocated his neck over three years ago while training with the England U-21 team. He is an inspiration to anyone fortunate enough to meet him, and I know he would have loved to be involved in a trip like this.
The second reason is more personal. My youngest nephew, Dominic, was born 6 weeks premature, and whilst Bliss weren't involved in his care, the work they do for babies born too soon, too small and too sick is fantastic. I'm delighted to say that Dominic has grown up into a livewire and on Monday he will be celebrating his fourth birthday. I couldn't think of a better present for him (and my oldest brother Phil for that matter) than completing this journey of a lifetime. As Fred put it so well last night, from now on there will always be a little piece of this journey inside us .
Kirky, Lawrence and Dickie are thirsty
Thanks:
One of my favourite films is Chariots of Fire (The West Sands at St Andrews, sport, love, personal battles with the inner self, need I say more?), and a favourite scene in the film is where Ian Holm, playing the athletics coach Sam Mussabini, is sat in his room listening to the National Anthem knowing that Harold Abrahams has won the 100m Olympic title that they had worked so hard for. He smashes his fist through his straw boater and exclaims "We did it Harold, we bloody did it!". Well, it's not quite the Olympics, but this has been a magical experience, and we bloody well did it, much to everyone's astonishment.
Little did I know that when I cycled round the Isle of Wight in 6.5 hours this May, that it would kindle a passion for the sport, but I can honestly say I have loved every minute of this odyssey. There are a number of people I want to thank for helping me get through in one piece, so sincere thanks to Bruce, Jonno and all the boys at Prologue Bikes (www.prologuebikes.com) for their advice, help and humour throughout the summer. To my trainer Mike Fryer, Robert Annis (www.relaxandrelease.co.uk), Stephen Price for the hypoxic chamber training (www.stephen-price.com), Dr Craig McLean at Putney Chiropractic (www.putneychiropractic.com), and Day Post (www.acupost.com).
A massive thanks to our Tour leader, Harvey Smyth who has moved mountains to get us all here for this utter madness,and massive thanks to Jo 'chirpy' Gowing who has masterminded this epic adventure. Thanks also to my friends and family for their endless love and support, and to a very special person who very sneakily tricked me into this whole cycling thing and in so doing has helped to get the old me back. I am very lucky.x
The Pink Peloton
Before I get too emotional and start thanking my agent, there is one special thanks reserved for you all. I have been overwhelmed by the support you have all given me for this trip, and to date I have raised nearly £15k, which is way beyond my wildest expectations. Please spread the word www.justgiving.com/dhopley - you are making a difference.
I have really enjoyed writing this blog - not always on time, but nothing new there, and hope you have enjoyed the journey from the comfort of your desktop.
And if any of you know anyone who wants to buy a second hand bike, one previous owner, good on mountains etc, do drop me a line: dhopley@prarugby.com
Cycle on people, upwards and onwards.
Damian.x
To see Damian's full blog, click here
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