Hero of Hamelin - The riders and drivers
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Jonjo Rooney - Founder of BpositiveBpositive founder Jonjo was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in December 2006 and although he underwent many months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, he required a stem cell transplant to save his life. In July 2007, a stem cell donor match was found in Hamelin, Germany, following a worldwide search by the Anthony Nolan charity. The transplant went ahead at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He responded well and has now been in remission for 7 years. Since being in remission Jonjo has completed various events, including bikeathons and marathons, but he expects this particular cycle ride will represent his greatest challenge: Jonjo says “No amount of miles cycled could ever match what Andreas has done for me - but I knew I had to do something.” He further added: "Ever since I discovered who my donor was, I've thought of him as my 'hero of Hamelin' and it became my quest to meet him. He was an anonymous stranger and now I know who he is I want the chance to thank him for what he's done for me.”
To sponsor Jonjo and the Bpositive team click here and to read the story of the challenge click here |
John Reeve - Co-founder of BpositveIn December 2005, our younger son Tim died after a three year battle with acute lymphoblastic
leukaemia. Two months later, I started a journey to help other people with leukaemia. My journey began with a walk from home to Wembley and from Wembley to the Wald Stadium in Frankfurt and the 2006 Football World Cup to fulfil Tim's dream of getting well and going to support England. It was an amazing experience; we were met with kindness and generosity all along the way. Fast forward 8 years and Tim's Trust has raised over £400,000 to help people with blood cancer, I'm proud to be a trustee of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and with Jonjo Rooney, have helped to establish Bpositive. I've also taken up cycling and after three Coast to Coast rides and London to Paris, at the age of 61, I'm looking forward with excitement and a sprinkle of apprehension, to the Hero to Hamelin ride – to help Jonjo’s dream come true and complete another stage on my journey. To sponsor John and the Bpositive team click here |
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Danielle MorganThe ride is for a very personal challenge. It will be in memory of John Reeve's son Tim who died of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2005, and it will also be to mark the celebration of Jonjo's life.
As you may know, Jonjo was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2007. It it wasn't for the selfless act of his donor he may not be here today. In a quest to give something back and to help others affected by leukaemia, myself and 5 others are taking on the epic challenge of cycling from Birmingham (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he received his transplant) to Hamlin, North Germany, where he is due to meet his donor for the first time! The Hero of Hamelin bike ride is also our way of saying a big THANK YOU to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research and the Anthony Nolan Trust - and it will promote the birth of a fantastic new charity for acute leukaemia patients, Bpositive (www.bpositive.org.uk) which John and Jonjo launched this year. As you can imagine, this will not be an easy challenge for me! I recently took on the London to paris cycle ride (300 miles) which although has been good training... It was a huge challenge in itself as I walked up many hills, cried numerous times, experienced extreme saddle sores and kept asking myself why on earth am I doing this.. The tour leader even thought I wouldn't make it! So here I go, back in the Lycra with just an extra 200 miles... If you can spare any pounds, it would be greatly appreciated and will help make this all worthwhile as it will make a huge difference to so many people affected by leukaemia. I will keep you updated on the progress along the route and the emotional journey ahead! To sponsor Danielle and the Bpositive team click here. |
Lauren HockneyI have been fortunate enough to not have been personally affected by leaukemia, but through my
work as a local journalist, I consider myself lucky to have got to know John Reeve and his family. Through that relationship I have helped to publicise the incredible fundraising work they have done since the tragic loss of their son Tim. I never got to meet him, but I have been so touched by his story and the Reeve’s journey since he lost his battle with the disease that I have also been inspired to help their cause since we met in 2007. The Hero of Hamelin bike ride is the latest physical challenge that I have signed up for after completing the London Marathon in 2012, as well as the Maldon Mud Race and Blackwater Triathlon in previous years. I hope as a collective we can raise more cash and awareness for our three nominated charities so I’m looking forward to completing this crazy challenge and all 500 miles on two wheels, which seeing as I’m predominantly a runner, is going to be a very different and amazing thing to be a part of! To sponsor Lauren and the Bpositive team click here. |
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Mat GillMy friend Jonjo, Leukaemia survivor, is cycling 500ish miles from Birmingham to Hamelin in Germany to say thank you to his hero - the donor that saved his life.
500 miles is a long way to go on your own so me and four others are pedalling along for the duration to keep him company. Check out the route here: http://www.mapmytracks.com/events/hero-of-hamlin--day-1 What are we hoping to achieve? Three things:
If you could spare a few pounds to the cause that would be fantastic! Thanks for the support To sponsor Matt and the Bpositive team click here. |
Andrew Woodbridge |
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Ashley Ingram - Support driverI've grown up alongside Jonjo from the days when I used to peak around the curtains from my bedroom window when Jonjo and the older neighbours were allowed out to play later than me!
Jonjo is one of the most optimistic, energetic and inspirational people I've ever met. Over the past 12 - 18 months I have been incredibly privileged to be heavily involved with all aspects of Bpositive and the passion and ambitions to help others who have / are going through anything similar to what Jonjo has been through is what drives me to want to dedicate as much time as I possible can to this cause. For the is challenge alone; to be involved and driving one of the support vehicles is the very least I can do to contribute to the superb work Bpositive continues and thrives to deliver. To sponsor Ashley and the Bpositive team click here. |
Charlotte Vowden - Support driverFor someone who has been dragged to hell and fought his way back, Jonjo is one of the most optimistic, energetic and kick-ass people I've ever met. I've known him for the past three years through work and think that the world (and the office) is a better place because he’s here. The hard graft he’s put in to raise money which helps and provides support for those who have been, will be and are in the same position he once, is admirable and inspirational. Back in 2013, I was part of a small team that helped 'launch' Bpositive digitally and as it continues to grow I feel that riding and driving is the least I can do to contribute to the superb work Bpositive does. It’s as simple as that.
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