Ride for Joss: The Grand Depart....

Who is Joss and why am I doing this?

Joss was a boy at my school who was in a lot of the same classes and sports teams as me. He walked a bit funny and found somethings a bit hard but underneath it all, he was just like the rest of my friends.

In September 2010 we went back to School after the summer holidays and Joss looked a lot more poorly than he had.....he needed a walker and didn't play sport anymore.

In January he had to go into hospital for an operation. I remember School telling us in Assembly that he had done really well and was a lot better. Then, when I got home, Mum sat me down and told me that Joss had died. I was really confused and thought she had got it wrong, I told Mum that school said he was going to be OK...I got quite upset and cried...I didn't understand how he just wouldn't be around anymore. It wasn't until after he died I was told he had a brain tumour..

Why I am doing this ride?.....Because my friend died, and I still miss him...and it's not fair...

Joss's Mum and Dad set up a charity in his name to help other people suffering with brain tumours and you can read all about Joss and the brilliant stuff they do to help at www.jossparkessearchlight.org.uk

Please follow my training progress and also the ride itself and show your support on Twitter @rideforjoss and on Facebook RideForJoss

I am also on Virgin Giving as Max Wellstead - RideForJoss - any donation you can make will make a big difference!

Thanks Max

Saturday, 14 July 2012

The Grand Depart....

Thank you so much to everyone who cheered Max and his team away today at Swanbourne House School. We raised an amazing £233.63p and a big thank you to all who donated - and stood out in the rain!

It has been a really exciting day, starting with 'Radio Stardom on' BBC Three Counties radio as well as announcements on Mix 96 reminding everyone what Max is embarking on.

They have made it safely to Oxford for the first stop in fine form and are looking forward to an early start for the first full day tomorrow.

Below are some shots courtesy of our official photographer Hayley Munro...