On a bike, 100 miles, this summer.....

At this difficult time I believe that we need to continue to think of others and what we can do as citizens and as members of our communities. For that reason I make no apologies for writing this article. I was going to be cycling 100 miles this summer around London and Surrey as part of the Prudential Ride London 100, here is the route https://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/events/100/route/

The organisers have decided to cancel the event, that is not surprising, but what is surprising is that they have yet to come up with an alternative. I clearly do not want to let the charity down or those that have already sponsored so I intend on cycling 100 miles (probably in two 50 mile chunks over that weekend as it is much hillier here in the Peak District) or if the weather does not allow I will cycle 100 miles (virtual) on the 'London Loop' on Zwift probably also in a two or three chunks.

All I can promise you is that I will cycle 100 miles that weekend, I will not receive a medal for completing it but I will have raised, what I hope is, loads of cash for an amazing charity.

Why me?

As the father of an amazing son, who alongside all his many talents, is on the Autism Spectrum, has Dyspraxia and other sensory issues I feel this charity is really making a difference to young people lives in normal times and especially in these times. Thanks for your support, give what you can, even ￡1 will make a massive difference. Keep checking back after your donation for training updates.

So now over to you………...

How to donate

You can help me raise money for this great cause by donating directly to my fundraising page, please give what you can - https://www.justgiving.com/ScottParkin22 - JustGiving sends your donation straight to The Thomas Theyer Foundation and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.

The reason

Thomas Samuel Theyer was 18 on June 7th 2013; he died just over a month later on Friday July 19th 2013. Thomas was a student at the University of Derby (UoD) College Buxton. He was a happy, kind person who loved to make others laugh. He loved to keep fit and exercised regularly. His main passion was running and he usually ran every day. After college he would run from his home in Chapel-en-le-Frith to Whaley Bridge or other routes, and he was a member of Buxton Athletics Club, running with other club members on Monday and Thursday evenings. On June 29th he completed the Whaley Waltz Fell Race and on July 12th the Buxton Carnival race. Thomas was also a keen football player and a regular participant in matches at Stockport and Derby county football grounds - organised by UoD.

At primary school Thomas was diagnosed as having Dyspraxia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Dyspraxia affects fine and/or gross motor skills and general coordination. Additionally people with Dyspraxia may have difficulty with planning and organising, speech, general perception and thought process. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), is probably lesser known than Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). People with ADD are sometimes overlooked because they are not hyperactive! They can however struggle to maintain focus or can become over focused on things. Their mind is often on something else. The Thomas Theyer Foundation has been set up by; Alan, Chris and Aimee Theyer - Thomas’s dad, mum and sister. Thomas and his sister Aimee both went to St Thomas Mores School in Buxton. His mum Chris grew up in Buxton and the family has been in the area for several generations. The foundation currently has two key projects:

The Thomas Theyer Foundation is currently raising funds to build a lodge at White Hall – Outdoor Centre, situated just outside of Buxton. The lodge will provide accommodation so that children and young people, with additional needs or difficult life circumstances, can stay at White Hall and access the outdoor activities available at the centre. The lodge will accommodate 6-8 people and would be available to school groups, special educational needs and other support organisations. The lodge would also be available for families who would benefit from a respite break.

The overall aim of the charity is to promote and enable access to outdoor activity, recognising the physical and mental health benefits for children and young people.

The foundation is looking for premises that could be developed to provide:

An accessible venue where families/carers can come for support and signposting. Meeting facilities for workshops and events. Facilities for support activity such as fitness and/or wellbeing session/classes. Private rooms for counselling for children and young people their families/carers. Office space.

“Thomas’s gross motor skills were improved greatly by exercise. In addition the enjoyment he got from participating in sports and outdoor activities was a massive part of his life. As a family we want to see if we can do something to help other children/young people like Thomas and their families. Also, Thomas was so kind – he once said if he won the lottery he would give it all away to charity – and he probably would have. We want Thomas not to be forgotten and to do some good in his name.” Chris Theyer.