I did it! AngelRIDE 2014
I visualised what it would feel like to be able to write this post when I was struggling up hills and trying to learn how to use the gears on my bike only last week. As I sit down to write this I still can’t believe I’ve just ridden 140 miles in 2 days. A few years ago I couldn’t even walk down the road.
I have so much I want to tell you all about the ride, the riders, the camp, the inspiring people I met and the fact that myself, my mum and my big bro were welcomed into a wonderful community with arms wide open. I may have to do this over a series posts though as I’m so tired right now and am struggling to think.
This has been the most difficult physical challenge I have ever achieved.
DAY 1 – 86 Miles
The first day was absolutely unbelievable. 86 miles of hills and endless roads. The final 5 miles seemed to go on forever but fortunately I couldn’t actually feel my legs by the then so I just kept turning the pedals. I was out on the road for a total of 10 hours and 30 minutes in total. Yikes!
I made one rule for myself during this ride and that was to ride the entire way and I achieved it. I didn’t walk up any of the hills, I may have stopped for a couple of minutes on some of them but I always got back on my bike and started peddling again.
My brother was the energy that I needed. He told me when to eat, when to drink and told me the whole way how proud he was of me. He kept me motivated and every time he saw my face drop looking at yet another steep hill and would tell me he believed in me and that I could do it.
I was the last person to finish. The organiser Lynn had told the motor support crew about me and the fact I wanted to finish no matter what. I knew I could do it but I also knew it would take me a wee bit longer than everyone else (for health and safety reasons there is usually a set time that riders are taken off the road). The head of the motor crew, a wonderful guy called Dan asked the other guys if some of them wouldn’t mind staying out longer to make sure I finished ok. Dan nipped off to get petrol and when he came back he found every single one of the others riding along side me. Around 20 motor cycles and support vehicles all beeping their horns and flashing their lights. I felt like the president.
I was greeted at the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp on day one by 300 wonderful cheering people who welcomed me, my brother and a wonderful support rider called James over the line. Exhausted, overwhelmed and with my mum their to greet me I broke down crying in what was without doubt the most memorable day of my life. I was so happy.
DAY 2 – 54 Miles
With my legs still shaking from the day before I set off on Sunday to ride the remaining 54 miles. I was accompanied once agin by big brother, Barry and the wonderful guy called Andy who is the one who first emailed me to ask if I would consider riding in this wonderful event. Day 2 was a killer as my legs had gone but Barry and Andy kept me going and got me through to the finish.
There were three things that I thought about to keep me going when I was riding:-
- The kids that this money we have raised will help.
- Showing you guys that anything is possible after cancer, operations and blood clots.
- Giving myself another reason to believe that cancer is no longer inside of me.
This experience has been the highlight of my trip so far. I feel immensely proud of myself that I completed the ride, I can’t even describe how hard I found it but I kept going and imagining what it will feel like to finish. I feel so honoured to have been in the company of the wonderful people that take part in Angelride and all those that make it happen.
As for the Hole in Wall Gang Camp, I’ll save that for another post but let me just say that this place changes the lives of seriously ill children for the better. It is a truly magical place.
Believe in getting better.
X
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has sponsored me. $3570 raised so far. You’ll be getting an email from me soon with a big fat Thank you and loads of kisses. I promise you that your money has gone towards the most wonderful cause. In July I’m going to show you first hand where your money has gone when I volunteer at the camp.
If you would still like to sponsor me then please see the link below:-
https://www.crowdrise.com/Greig-AngelRide2015/fundraiser/greigtrout
X
Two bits of amazing news
Amazing News 1
As much as I’m looking forward to the ride on Saturday I’ve also been dreading it. 140 miles in two days on one weeks training! The last weeks training has been hard work and a complete shock to my system as I’ve never really done any long distance bike riding before.
But I now have the best source of energy ever… My mum and big brother are coming over to support me on the ride. My mum is going to volunteer and my brother is going to ride next to me.
I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am. I haven’t seen them in over 11 months and have missed them like crazy. I only wish my dad could make it over as well.
My brother and I have never done anything like this together before. He has always been the one undertaking these kind of crazy challenges with me usually looking at him in awe. It will be an amazing experience to have him ride next to me and I know he will help me achieve what is without doubt my biggest challenge yet.
Amazing News 2
I am going to volunteer at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in July. I am so honoured to be able to do this as this is the type of healing that I believe to be the most effective, having fun and experiencing joy!
Every person I have spoken to here in the states has raved about this camp and the great things it does for seriously ill children.
A little bit about The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
The camp’s founder, actor Paul Newman wanted a place that ensured that every child with a serious medical condition had the chance to experience the world of possibilities that camp has to offer. Kids who are normally unable to swim because of their condition can swim, kids that feel isolated because of their condition get to be around others who are going through the same thing.
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp community provides this unique healing experience to kids in need and their families, including those who may not be able to come to Camp.
There are now Hole in Wall Gang Camps all over the world. With unobtrusive expert medical care, it was Paul’s dream that Camp would provide seriously ill children with a fun-filled experience defined by compassion, laughter and acceptance.
The best thing is… it works! Parents see a marked change in their child when they go home from camp, healing white blood cells increase ten fold and the best thing of all…a child who is seriously ill is taken out of their worry filled life and gets to experience pure joy for a week.
An amazing place and I’m honoured to be part of it.
I would be so grateful if you could help me raise money for this wonderful cause and sponsor me for the ride. Please see link below:-
https://www.crowdrise.com/Greig-AngelRide2015/fundraiser/greigtrout
Thank you all so much
X
Training update and the dreaded Ivan Dragos (Hills)
I’ve now been here in Connecticut for one week which means I’ve had a total of one weeks training before the big ride next weekend. I don’t regret a single thing about coming here and signing up for this charity bike ride at such short notice but I’m now wishing I had more time to train.
I’ve never done anything like this before and believe me I am exhausted. I’ve been riding an average of 20 miles a day which is a good way short of the 80 miles that is needed to complete the first day of Angelride. I have an even greater respect for the guys that complete the Tour de France now.
Today I finally mastered the gears on my bike and learned how to unclip from my pedals after learning the hard way from two minor wipeouts!
A few people here have been telling me how hard this ride actually is and that I shouldn’t expect to finish on my first attempt… which makes me want to finish it even more! 🙂 I’m not going to lie, yesterday’s hills were a killer and my legs are struggling to get going but I really want to finish this one. I keep thinking back to 3 years ago when I could barely walk down the road and now here I am about to ride 140 miles in 2 days!
The hills are going to be my biggest worry on the ride. I’ve named the hills ‘Ivan Dragos’ after Dolph Lungrens character in a Rocky IV! This has inspired me to make a Training Montage video which should be hilarious. Just think Rocky minus the big muscles! 🙂 I’ve attached a screenshot picture from my video which shows a drawing of me on a hill as a homage to Rocky. Rocky has a picture of Ivan Drago (his nemesis) on his mirror in the film to inspire him to train harder! Yes, I’m that sad!:) (Rocky wins in the end by the way so the picture thing worked)
A massive thank you to all those who have sponsored me so far. If you would like to sponsor me and help raise money for the Hole in Wall gang camp which is a camp for seriously ill children then please see the link below.
https://www.crowdrise.com/Greig-AngelRide2015/fundraiser/greigtrout
This camp let’s kids with serious illness be kids again and experience joy. Something I believe to be the best medicine of all. They also have a hospital outreach program which sends the fun to hospitals for kids that are too ill to attend camp.
Tests have shown that the children’s disease fighting white cells are much higher at the end of camp so if you are feeling a bit run down or ill get out there and have some fun or as Paul Newman said when he created the camp ‘raise hell’!:)
Training montage video coming soon!
X
A very warm welcome to connecticut, my first training ride and a message from Bear Grylls
I arrived in Connecticut yesterday to an unbelievable welcome. I have to say I have never experienced anything like this before in my life. These kind people have built me a bike to use, donated equipment and a wonderful family have even given me their daughter’s beautiful apartment to use up until the big ride.
I still can’t quite believe it and find myself looking around to see who they have made all this fuss for. Such generous welcoming people and I am so honoured to be here and ride and raise money for this wonderful cause.
I went on my first training ride today on my new bike. I certainly looked the part in all my kit but was completely petrified of how tough I might find it. I went on two rides and managed around 20 miles in total. Add another 60 miles to that and I have the first day of Angelride sorted! Yikes! The good news is I only fell off my bike once! 🙂 oops!
To add to this amazing experience I woke up this morning to the most wonderful emails from two of my heroes, my childhood doctor Prof. Alan Craft and Bear Grylls. They had heard what I was doing and wanted to wish me luck for the ride.
Bear wrote –
“Well done Greig- an epic mission and for an amazing cause- you are a man who has battled to overcome great adversity and I am sure you will conquer this challenge too! You are an inspiration.”
I am feeling blessed and humbled at this very moment. I hope I don’t let anyone down and can complete what is my biggest challenge yet.
Whatever happens, I will never forget this experience and I’m so happy to be here and raise money which will help seriously ill children smile and feel better.
Thank you to all you amazing people that have already sponsored me. I am so grateful for your support. A massive thank you to Lynn, Andy, Fred, Chaleen and Brian for making me feel so welcome.
If you’d like to sponsor me please see the link below:-
https://www.crowdrise.com/Greig-AngelRide2015/fundraiser/greigtrout
X
Training for Angel ride begins in New York City
First stop though was to the Wall Street bull where apparently rubbing the bulls balls brings you luck! If I’m ever going to manage 140 miles in two days without much training I’m going to need all the luck in the world… so I grabbed them both! 🙂
Please please please sponsor me and help bring a bit of happiness and hope to seriously ill children:-
https://www.crowdrise.com/Greig-AngelRide2015/fundraiser/greigtrout
Thank you so much gang.
X
A change of plan
Adios South America, Hello USA!
The plan was always to travel right the way round South America but I’m afraid an offer has been made that is just too good to refuse.
I have been asked to take part in a 2 day, 140 mile bike ride across the state of Connecticut in the USA in support of The Hole in the Wall gang camp. The ride is called Angel Ride.
The Hole in the Wall Gang camp was founded by the late and great actor Paul Newman in 1988. The camp is a place where seriously ill children can go and forget their worries, make life long friends and feel normal.
The foundation also arranges visits for children who are in hospital by taking camp to them.
Paul’s mantra was a place where sick children could go and ‘raise hell’ and just be kids again. He wanted a place which would provide seriously ill children with a fun filled experiences defined by laughter, compassion and acceptance.
The winter has been very harsh in the states this year and the number of entrants for the ride are significantly lower than previous years. The organisers are worried that people will drop out because they have the mind set that “if I can’t finish the ride, I’m not going to do it”. This will therefore drop funds which will mean less visits to children in hospitals and Angel Ride will have wasted money on orangish the event.
That’s where I come in! It’s been 3 and 1/2 years since I was diagnosed with bowel cancer, I’ve got a blood clot in the vain that takes blood back to my heart and I’ve done no training whatsoever…..in fact the only time I’ve ridden a bike in the past 25 years was to ride downhill on both ‘death road’ in Bolivia and on the jungle inca trail.
The organisers of Angel Ride hope my participation will encourage others to also give it a go. After all it’s not about the riders, it’s about the kids!
This is ridiculously short notice and my trip has now taken a entirely new route. This will be without doubt be my biggest challenge yet. The ride is on the 24th and 25th May so I’ve got just a few weeks to prepare.
My heart tells me I can do it and I hope my body feels the same way once I get going. The first day is 85 miles with a approximately 5000ft of climbing! Yikes!
Most people I have spoken to have said I probably won’t be able to do it. My big brother believes I can do it and I believe in him so I’m pumped and ready to go!
An amazing guy called Andy is in the process of building me a bike to use (See pic).The organisers are frantically looking for some equipment I can use and it’s all very last minute.
The reason I want to do this is because I feel very strongly about charities such as these. Charities which help people directly and concentrate on a persons mental well being.
Places and people like this make all the difference to the life and recovery of a child because it starts making life fun again.
Sponsorship
I have asked you for a lot of sponsorship lately in the form of my head shave for the Leukaemia Foundation, Cancer Research UK and my big brother’s Marathon Des Sables race in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
You have been so kind and supported me. I would love it if you could sponsor me for this wonderful cause please.
I have set myself a $1000 target. I’m not sure if that is realistic or not as I only have a few weeks until the actual event.
This is my Marathon Des Sables.
I plan to film the camps facilities, the reaction of the children and also see the hole in the wall gang in action in hospitals so I will show you first hand where your money is going.
I have always dreamed about creating a similar camp/park in the UK but for both children and adults. I know I could have used something like this as an adult as well.
Wish me luck gang and thank you for everything.
Sponsor link: https://www.crowdrise.com/Greig-AngelRide2015/fundraiser/greigtrout
x
Help change someone’s life
My favourite types of charity are the ones that help people directly and where you actually get to see the results of your kindness.
My amazing friend Jaime has set up a charity which helps change someone’s life every week. It’s called ’52 Lives’.
How does it work?
People nominate someone who is in need of a bit of help and every week 52 Lives shares the story, requests help and who knows, maybe some kind soul out there can change someone’s life for the better or at least make their day.
In my opinion this is the most fantastic charity and has helped so many people already.
As you know from a recent post an amazing little girl called Claire sadly passed away recently.
Claire was the first life 52 lives helped change. Claire was treated by the kindness of strangers to see a show at the theatre and she also got to live out one of her dreams at a VIP day out at underwater world.
Claire got to experience joy and happiness because of the kindness of strangers and was able to forget her fight with cancer for a few hours.
Right now 52 Lives is searching for presents for 300 serious ill children. Can you help? Who knows, maybe you or someone you know can help change someone’s life.
Well done Jaime. I’m so proud of you. x
Website
An amazing story of an amazing person
I’ve just read this story of an amazing 19 year old called Stephen who was diagnosed with incurable colorectal cancer at the age of 15. Last year he was told that it was inoperable prompting him to write a bucket list of 46 things.
One of the things on his list was to raise a million pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and today he achieved it! Absolutely amazing!
I think this emotional goodbye sums up what an inspirational and courageous man Stephen is. He will forever be remembered as a true warrior and an example of everything that is good in this world.
You’ve inspired so many people Stephen.
Thoughts and love to you are and your family. X
Sponsor Stephen
You can sponsor Stephen at: https://www.justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT/
Stephen’s Farewell
It’s a final thumbs up from me! I’ve done well to blag things as well as I have up till now, but unfortunately I think this is just one hurdle too far.
It’s a shame the end has come so suddenly- there’s so many people I haven’t got round to properly thank or say goodbye too. Apologies for that.
There was also so many exciting projects and things I didn’t get to see out. Hopefully some will continue and if you want to carry on the fundraising please do (justgiving.com/stephen-sutton-TCT
is the link to donate to).All future updates on this page will probably be from a family member. I hopefully may have the energy to write a few tweets (@_StephensStory). I will continue fighting for as long as I can, and whatever happens next I want you all to know I am currently in a good place mentally and at ease with the situation.
That’s it from me. But life has been good. Very good.
Thank you to my mum and the rest of my family for everything. Thank you to my friends for being amazing. Thank you to my medical team for the hard work and effort they’ve continually they’ve put towards me. And thank you everyone else for sharing this wonderful journey with me.
I love you all x
He Did It!
A message and a massive thank you from my amazing big brother. X
Just arrived back from the Marathon des Sables with my team mates Billy Gammon and Tim Lennox! We ran 240km across the Sahara desert and finished as the 10th ranked (2nd GB) team! I finished in 259th place which just sneaks into the top 25%!
A huge thank you to all of you who sponsored us. I have been overwhelmed by the money you have donated (around £24k so far) for Prostate Cancer and Rainforest Concern. Thank you also to those of you who sent messages of support to the desert. These were printed out and delivered to our tent every evening. I was truly touched and hugely inspired by these; amazing!
I devoted my ‘long day’ run to my brother Greig Trout and www.101thingstodowhenyousurvive.com, running 82km in under 15 hours. Thank you for all of the messages Greig’s followers sent me – they made a massive difference.
A final huge thank you to my team mates who were always fun, positive and inspiring, the other legends in Tent 107, and most of all my incredible wife, Helene Patounas for her unfaltering support in the months leading up to the event. Love you babe!
I’ll send some pics soon, but in the meantime, I’m heading to the couch with a pile of food…!
Cheers Team!
Trouty
Marathon Des Sables Update
My big brother and the boys completed the most challenging day of their 240km race across the Sahara desert yesterday. They ran the equivalent of two back to back Marathons (81km) in one day. Wow!
My brother Barry started running at 9am and finished at midnight. 81km in 14hrs 50 mins. He is now in the top 300 and I am so proud of him. He is my absolute hero. He makes me believe that anything is possible. I’ve been so worried about him doing this but judging by his messages he is loving every second of it. As he ran past the web cam he blew a kiss to his beautiful wife and held up his 101 Things patch! Love it!
Tim and Billy also finished the day strongly and finished in just over 13 hours which is incredible!
The best thing of all is that all the guys are safe and well. They have a rest day today so they can get ready for the next two days running. On Friday they have 42km to run and Saturday is an easy 21km to the finish line!
Come on team Desert Durham! We are all rooting for you!
(Desert Durham are running to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and Rainforest concern whilst also letting people know about 101 Things and that anything is possible)
Sponsor the boys
If you would like to sponsor the boys please go to:
http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/desdurham
