WOW....ONLY TWO WEEKS TO GO!

The preparation is nearly over and Jack's training is bang on schedule. Over the last couple of months Jack has been preparing for what is likely to be one of the biggest challenges of his life - apart from the daily challenge of living with Huntington’s.I have seen the pain he has endured when he has fallen off his bike when dismounting, the concentration and the effort he has put in over the last couple of months to get himself ready for the ride.

So why is cycling 515 miles likely to be so difficult for Jack?

Jack suffers from Huntington’s disease, which is a disease of the central nervous system which usually develops in adulthood and causes a wide range of symptoms, including uncontrollable muscular movements, stumbling, clumsiness, lack of concentration and short-term memory lapses.

Cycling for Jack, like most other tasks in life is made difficult as a result. For example fastening and unfastening a zip, doing up his crash helmet, climbing the stairs or taking a drink from a water bottle whilst cycling. In short everything that we able bodied people take for granted is more difficult for Jack.

Denise Blanks and Jack out on a training ride in Albourne, East Sussex

For most of the population, cycling over 500 miles in under two weeks would be a tough challenge, but given Jack’s disability – this challenge takes on a far greater significance.

To his friends and family, Jack is an inspiration, because despite his serious disability, he tackles life head and is a role model for other disabled people.

So how can we keep Jack safe whilst out on the road?

Wherever possible, Jack will be cycling on a network of national cycle paths that wind their way to Newcastle from the north of Scotland. He will be followed every step of the way by a small team of cyclists and backed up by a trailer with a flag for the entire journey and a transit for the first four days.

You can follow Jack’s adventures every step of the way by following him on twitter @jackscycle or via my blog at jackscycle.blogspot.com

If you would like to support Jack and help him make a difference to others with Huntington’s disease and help him reach his fundraising target of £3,000 you can donate via his justgiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/geordiejack

Read more about Jack’s challenge and learn about his route via his website at http:/jacksjohnogroatschallenge.weebly.com

Howie Blanks