Supporting the James Atkinson Bequest at Christ's Hospital School, Sussex: 

 

In 2009, Rob Gauntlett and James Atkinson tragically died in the Alps. Two brilliant lives cut short - to me, two wonderful friends, who remain with me every day. Four years later, and we lost two more close friends, in Jack Hutton-Potts and Vaughan Holme, to whom One Mile Closer meant so much.

Six months after the funeral, as Rob and James would have wanted, in search of adventure, we rode from John O' Groat's to Land's End – that we had ridden with Rob and James.  1000 miles of freedom and fresh air on the roads, and an epic achievement from many who had never cycled before. Three years later, in 2012, 35 riders rode 1000km from Provence to Sussex, conquering Mont Ventoux, Giant of Provence in the process.

The James Atkinson Bequest at Christ’s Hospital supports children to be able to undertake outdoor activities that, due to financial constraints, they would otherwise be unable to experience.  So far, it has supported Duke of Edinburgh expeditions; Geography field trips; climbing in Corsica and trekking in Nepal.  I know that these experiences outside the four walls of the classroom can add so much to a child's education and opportunities.

Now, our attentions turn further eastwards: we shall pedal One Mile Closer, from Prague to Sussex, seeking out once again the wonder of the road, the wind and the hills, of good company, laughter, and, once again, Rob and James' inspiration.

Close to my heart as ever, I thank you, and I hope you find as much joy in the trip as me, and will be able to help the projects in Rob and James name. Any money donated on this page will go to the James Atkinson Bequest at Christ's Hospital.

 

 

More information on the ride and the projects (including fundraising for the Uganda project in Rob's name), and can all be found on the team fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/One-Mile-Closer and the team website at http://onemilecloser.com/