Dear All,

Every two years I try to take part in a Charity Bicycle Ride to raise funds for REGAIN and many clients and friends have helped raise over £5,000 on the last 2 events in America and China.

I cannot believe how time passes and that I will be taking up another challenge in September this year to cycle 420kms along the coast of Brazil. - it promises to be a tough ride once again, but it is for a very worthwhile cause.

Funds raised from The Brazil Bike Ride, will support the work of REGAIN, the only charity dedicated solely to improving the independence of British men and women who have become tetraplegic (severe spinal cord injury) as a result of a sporting accident.

One minute they are fit, healthy and active and the next they are paralysed, unable to move and in need of support for the rest of their lives. Tetraplegics lose the use of their limbs and are often unable to perform the most mundane of day to day tasks such brushing their teeth or raising a drink to their lips – extensive support is needed and without it many are unable even to get up in the morning.

As before, Disabled hand cyclists and able-bodied cyclists will ride together.

There is someone in nearly every town in Britain who has broken their back while taking part in sporting activities. REGAIN provides support by purchasing equipment to help people paralysed in this way to lead more independent lives. The charity currently has a waiting list for the purchase of specialist equipment such as adapted vehicles, voice activated computers and sports wheelchairs  It is hoped The Brazil Bike Ride will raise at least £50,000 towards the funds  needed.

I would therefore be very grateful for any donation you feel able to make towards the minimum sponsorship of £3,200 I have to raise. If you are able to help please fill in the enclosed Sponsorship Gift Form and return it to me with a cheque made payable to REGAIN or complete the credit/debit card section of the enclosed form to enable the charity to collect a donation from you, alternatively you could donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/alanmclaughlin .

Thank you in anticipation of your support and encouragement - I will let you know how it all goes and hopefully post photographs to our website eventually.

Yours sincerely, 

Alan McLaughlin