Schoolwear International director raises a pound a mile for charity

Graham Michelli, a director of Schoolwear International, has just completed a 3,080 mile motorcycle ride around the coast of Britain to raise over £3,000 so far for cancer research.

The idea was prompted after two very big cancer operations for his good friend Mike Turner.

As Turner says 'I was very anxious to give something back after all the skill, support and kindness lavished on me by all the staff in hospital and, over dinner one evening with Graham and his wife, I expressed the wish to do something to make a small difference, to say thank you and to show to others facing serious cancer operations that the world does not end with a diagnosis of cancer.'

'I am a keen motorcyclist and the idea of a sponsored bike trip came up. Graham said he would be very happy to support me and so the planning began.'

Six months later, and in unbelievable weather, Turner and Michelli set off on their big adventure returning home fourteen days later having touched all four extremes of the mainland; The Lizard in the south, Land's End in the west, John O'Groats in the north and Lowestoft Ness in the east.

'I think there is probably a book in all the adventures we had, the people we met and places we saw and all the countryside – and seaside – that we visited. We would both like to thank most of all our lovely wives – both called Penny co-incidentally – for all their support throughout. Needless to say we couldn't have done it without them' said Turner

The trip raised a total of over £3,000 for cancer and the money is still coming in.

'We have been truly astonished and humbled by everyone's kindness and generosity' commented Turner. 'Our webpage for donations is still open and all further donations are, of course, very gratefully received.' The website is www.justgiving.com/turnermichelli.

Michelli is equally enthusiastic about the experience. 'I have not ridden a motorcycle in anger for many years although I used to ride a lot. This trip has certainly polished up my skills with all the road types and surfaces we rode – including forestry tracks and beaches. Very Charlie Boorman – and my wife thought we both looked ten years younger when we got back. So we must obviously do it again!'

Another charity fund raising ride is now in planning. 'Perhaps next time we will do a trip to raise money for children; we are thinking of a coast to coast trip across the USA - although this would not be as far as the trip we have just done. Perhaps we should plan to visit some of our Schoolwear International customers next time. It would be a great opportunity for them to raise more money locally' comments Michelli.

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