Morzine to Marlow
- on a tandem!
Two cycling enthusiasts returned home to a rousing reception on Sunday 4th October following a marathon tandem cycle ride from the French Alps. Phil Wallis and David Linley started cycling from Morzine, in the Haute Savoie region of France , close to the Swiss border, on 23rd September and arrived at the Royal Oak pub in Bovingdon Green, near Marlow, at 3pm on Sunday having completed the 1100km journey.
Phil and David have so far raised over £2000. They both have a close relationship with IRHH - Phil's brother Chris was nursed by IRHH when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and David was a friend of Iain and Moira Rennie when they lived in Holland during the 1970s.
Phil explains: "Chris was a young man of only 48 when he was taken from us. He was the funniest man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, we used to laugh so much together and I miss him more than words can ever describe. In the final stages of his life he was cared for by the Iain Rennie Nurses. They are, quite frankly, angels. They made Chris as comfortable as possible during what was a horrific time.
"Dave and I sett off from Morzine in the French Alps to cycle by tandem to Marlow in Buckinghamshire. Our route took us along the towpaths of the rivers and canals of France and along The Thames to Marlow; a distance of 1100 kilometres! Chris was a very sporty guy and would thoroughly approve of our choice of fundraising."
David said "I received a call from Phil asking if I'd join him on a cycling trip - I thought he meant Malo as in St Malo then discovered it was Marlow in England !"
Liz Clarke, Head of Fundraising and volunteer David Coles joined numerous members of the Wallis family and their friends to greet Phil and Dave on their return. "The Wallis's are a fantastic fundraising family who have shown great imagination in the different ways they have raised funds for us. We are immensely grateful for their support and inspired by their innovative ideas" said Liz.
6th October 2009
