The Bikers

Fraser - 07984 163 256

Having never seriously attempted to raise money for charity before I really didn't know what to expect.

But at the time of writing this, at the early stages of planning and setting up the trip, I already find the experience hugely rewarding. I'm truly grateful to our team of professionals, go Team Etna, who gave their skills without asking for anything in return.

Tricia, Gary, Peter, Lawrence, Graeme and Jason, thank you very much. I’m also very grateful to Helen at the charity for all her support. It was Helen who unwittingly planted the seeds of the idea for this fundraising venture.

A special thanks goes to Arthur Bruce, who was the first person to give me money for this trip. I'll never forget bumping into Arthur in Morrisons on a busy Saturday afternoon when he goes into his wife's purse and insists I take his donation there and then. A great and encouraging start.

And finally, thanks to Steve for agreeing to come with me in the first place, for his tireless help, great route planning, his Sat Nav and also his wife Elaine for letting him go.

Steve - 07525 830 944

I don’t know whether I should thank Fraser now for getting me involved, or wait until after!

When he suggested the trip he said ‘do you fancy a bike trip ? – it will involve Italy and a charity’ I thought it sounded a simple plan, then to make things a bit more interesting I said ‘why don’t we do it in 3 days, oh and take in 9 countries too ?’ well it snowballed from there and now here we are……

Fraser explained about the Young Carers charity and we met with Helen MacKinnon from PKAVS. Following the meeting I was struck by the selfless devotion of these young people and knew this was a charity I would like to try to support.

I would like to mirror Fraser’s appreciation to ‘Team Etna’ they have done a great job of the flyer, logo, web site and publicity all in preparation for the big sponsorship push.

I would also like to thank Peter for his work on the flyer and hope his broken leg is on the mend.

I have been a keen motorcyclist since I was 16 and had numerous bikes….my favourite has to be my current ride, a BMW K1200s with all the toys and a perfect machine for undertaking this trip.

A special thanks to my wife Elaine…..who said it was OK for me to go….Ta.