15/09/11….Five punctures in a day fail to deter Thame charity cyclist

EX-LORD Williams’s student Alex Saunders and two university friends, Doug Brown and Mat Park, recently undertook the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge to raise money for three charities close to their hearts – Alzheimer’s Research UK, Cancer Research and The Downs Syndrome Association.

They successfully completed the ride unsupported in 11 days, covering 1,016 miles. Alex said that the hardest part of the trip was cycling over the Highlands whilst picking up five punctures in one day. Despite the tough going, they stuck to their schedule, typically covering 100 miles a day. They arrived in Land’s End to a warm welcome from friends and family where they all watched the sun set and reflected on their achievement over some well earned pints!

“We are all so happy to have completed the challenge,” said Alex, “and the money raised for the charities has made it even more special.”

Alex chose Alzheimer’s Research UK in memory of his Grandad and to help his Granny, who were both diagnosed with the disease as he was growing up. Mat chose cancer research in memory of his late grandmother while Doug chose The Downs Syndrome Association as his brother was born with the condition.

The current total stands at