Mathew Bacigalupo
mathew's Taj Mahal Challenge 11/11/2011
Fundraising for Marie Curie
Story
Consider a man riding a bicycle. Whoever he is, we can say three things about him. We know he got on the bicycle and started to move. We know that at some point he will stop and get off. Most important of all, we know that if at any point between the beginning and the end of his journey he stops moving and does not get off the bicycle he will fall off it. That is a metaphor for the journey through life of any living thing, and I think of any society of living things. ~William Golding
When i get on my bike i have a goal and oportunity to explore travel and see as much as i can before the point i stop and fall off or the point i choose to stop and get off.
By cycling the 500km route from Delhi to the Taj Mahal in India I hope to raise money for the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford.I want to help people who have stopped and fallen off the bike and are unable to continue through life.
I am following in my mum’s footsteps and raising money for a charity my mum fully supported, Lesley Bass passed away in October 2008 with skin cancer aged 49,
Although my mum did not stay in the Marie Curie hospice she was in full support of it and fully aware of the outstanding efforts and support the hospice gave to patients, family and carer's. When I used to visit my Granddad Lewis Bass in the Hospice I used to think he was in the best place, the staff used to treat him with respect and dignity. The nurses used to talk to him about football and really tap into his interests. I can honestly say he died happy. The hospice also gave a rest to my uncle who cared for my Granddad.
Before my Mum Passed away she told me to carry on travelling the world, see as much as I can and make sure I achieve what I want to in life.
My friend Karl Boniface Helped me to do this, we always travelled together, we travelled Far East Asia, Eastern Europe, America and southern Europe.
Karl passed away in April 2010; he suffered sudden heart failure at the age of 27 on a trekking expedition in Northern Thailand.
Karl seemed to turn a blind eye to heart condition that he carried since birth and crammed as much into his life as he could and lived it to the full. Karl inspired me to do so much but our main love was scuba diving. The following quote describes my memories of Karl.
‘From Birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to earth, but man has only to sink beneath the surface and is free' Jacques Cousteau, French explorer
Karl also planned to take part in the challenge in memory of my mum. Although I will now be competing alone I will have Karl pushing me along and my mum smiling down on me.
In loving memory of Lesley Bass and Karl Boniface and in admiration of The Marie Curie Hospice.
I would also like to offer my deepest condolences to Brian Smith who passed away recently due to lung Cancer. Brian was one of my customers at Northside and a good friend.Brian will be sadly missed by many.
I would also like to offer my deepest condolences for Andy Eke who worked at Northside truck and van Leeds as a parts advisor. Andy recently lost his battle with cancer , He was a true gent and will not be forgotten.
I would like to thank my sponsors so far for the generous donations and like to thank my main sponsors for the help and support in reaching my target.
Shipley Tyre's and MOT
www.cirteq.com Thank you all so much for the amazing response, it is overwhelming and i will be coming to your office on my return to say thank you!
Maxwize Motor Factors ( giving us sponges buckets and soap for free)
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/local/localbrad/8637026.Mathew_in_cycle_tribute/
Car wash and parking at Saltair Festival Sunday 19 September , £5 and all donations welcome, all money raised go towards the appeal, £115 raised all together!
Charity Christmas party Baildon Golf Club 4th December
7.30pm till midnight with Dj , raffle and tombola, tickets £5
thank you to all for supporting us at the party £1240 raised in total
contact mathew.bass@mercedes.co.uk or helen 07815613964