Six men will be embarking on a 670-mile cycle trip across Europe next month, with the help of Exeter City FC, in memory of a friend and to raise much-needed funds and awareness for three charities.
The six cyclists – Steve Christie, Christian Webber, Mark Reece, Pete Wallington, Mark Holmes and Rich Cook – will set off from St James Park on Wednesday and, after catching a ferry from Portsmouth, will then peddle from Le Harve to Munich.
They are setting off on their adventure on Wednesday as that is the birthday of their good friend Jason Cloke who, due to a genetic illness called haemochromatosis, died at the age of 42 in 2010.
The friends, who all met at Exwick Junior School before going onto high school, college and university together, will climb 27,896 feet – almost the same height as Everest – and cycle for six days before arriving in Bavaria’s capital in time to toast Jason’s memory with a glass of beer at Oktoberfest.
Jason is the son of Exeter volunteer Jenny Lees and both her and City estates manager Clive Pring will be in the support vehicle for the cyclists on their route across Europe.
Haemochromatosis causes an iron overload in the body which in turn causes symptoms which adversely affects the normal function of the liver and heart.
It is a condition that is not very well known and that is why the friends are keen to raise as much awareness and funds for Haemochromatosis UK as they can. They will also raise money for FORCE Cancer Charity and Children in Need.
The adventure has been kindly supported by Exeter Lions Club, with a donation of £500 towards the fuel for the support vehicle. And back in May an evening with Steve Perryman was also held at Cullompton football club where the former Tottenham Hotspur captain and Exeter City director of football gave a talk and raffled off some football memorabilia for the cause.
They have already raised nearly £5,000 but need your support! Anybody who would like to donate can do so by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/TeamBogie.
Should anyone be interested in forming a group with haemochromatosis (iron overload) or anyone who would like more information on this condition in the Exeter area they can contact Jenny Lees via email jenny.lees43@googlemail.com or by phoning 07443439189.