A WILMSLOW solicitor is tackling one of Europe’s toughest cycling challenges this weekend.
David Bott, 47, aims to participate in France's La Marmotte Sportive on Saturday, in memory of his late parents.
David's father received respite care at Queenscourt Hospice, Southport, in his last three months of cancer in 2006. His mother died of MND (a progressive disease that attacks the nerves, brain and spinal cord) four years later, after receiving palliative care at the same hospice.
David - who has been cycling 195 miles a week in anticipation of the event - is taking part in the challenge to raise money for the hospice and for Motor Neurone Disease Association, and Queenscourt Hospice
La Marmotte is one of the oldest and most famous annual events in Europe, and is also widely considered to be one of the most challenging.
Covering a distance of 109 miles, including 5,180m uphill, the event sees amateur cyclists making an ascent over four of the Tour de France’s infamous mountains – with many cyclists training for years in the run up to attempting the route.
David Bott, who is managing partner at Bott & Co Solicitors said: “The staff at Queenscourt Hospice are unbelievable – they made my parents’ last days as comfortable as possible, showing the kind of grace and compassion that you don’t often see in day-to-day life.
“I have also chosen to raise money for the MND Association because although there is not yet a cure for the disease, the association does a great deal of hard work in research, care and support for MND sufferers and the people who love them.
“This kind of trauma isn’t limited to the diagnosed – it has a catastrophic effect on friends and family as well. Both charities do a great deal for those people too and it’s important they receive the funds they need in order to continue to do so.”
David has so far managed to raise £1,500 of his target of £2,000.
David's firm has promised to match the amount raised for the charity in a donation to Queenscourt Hospice.
To donate to David's effort go to: https://www.justgiving.com/David-Bott/
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