The 2009 Peter Thomas Ride

1000 Miles – 10 Days – 1 Goal

"Riding for a cure"

24 September to 3 October 2009

Montreal, Quebec to Rocklands State Park, New York

Contact Wayne, Riette, Philip or Peter via email:- Enquiries@giste2e.net

Days: Hours: Mins: Secs:

Time Remaining until the Big Day

 
Peter Thomas

In 2001, Peter collapsed at work, he was 37 years old and was diagnosed with cancer. He had two children, Lauren who was eight and three year old Dylan. Peter was a young and active IT professional who had just started his own business.

All his life Peter had been a sports fanatic and had run several marathons and cycled professionally when he was much younger.

Cancer was the last thing we expected and with such a rare form we new it was going to be a long and hard battle. If it wasn't for the trial drugs and the funds of GCRF for research Peter would not have had an extra five years to spend with his family and friends. This was a gift and we made the most of it, visiting Lapland, South Africa, doing a 175ft free fall, visiting Disneyland and sharing many other memorable moments.

Latest News

Wayne rides the ARGUS

As mentioned in my Christmas letter I will be riding in the Argus this year in Cape Town on the 08 March 2009. A very uncertain time for me to be sure as I have never ridden in an organized event before and certainly not one that attracts the number of riders this one does. I have never ridden on a fully fledged road bike before either so there is this challenge i.e. getting used to new equipment on ride day itself. Not to mention the little challenge of getting used to the significant change of training at 3oc during a Belgian winter and riding at 30oc in a South African summer. Really am looking forward to it despite all the butterflies.

I will be riding in support of the Sabrina Love Foundation and I hope that if you take the time to reference this web site that you are as inspired as I was to do something to help. I know that times are tough but anything you can contribute to the work inspired by Sabrina will be greatly appreciated by those in need. If like me you feel drawn to this worthy cause please do go to Sabrina Love Foundation Contributions and make a contribution no matter how small, it all helps.

Thanking you in advance, and wish me tail winds and strong legs for the ride,

Best Regards,

Wayne

Meet the rest of the team on Face Book:

www.FaceBOOK Link

Peter inspired a group of family, friends and colleagues to embark on an adventure to raise awareness and funds to fight GIST. He was not able to join us on our ride, but enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship from a distance. Peter was able to see us finish this, and sadly passed away a short while after.

It was part of Peter's Dream that we should not stop at a single event and that we should continue with fund raising and challenging ourselves. The Peter Thomas Cycling Challenge is an event open to anyone who wants to raise awareness of and money for GCRF (GIST Cancer Research Fund).

The GCRF website can by found at www.gistinfo.com. GCRF is a registered charity in the US (tax id # 13-4182988)

Our aim is to stop lighting candles for those friends of ours who have lost their battles against this disease. We have the skills, we have capabilities, we need the resources to find a long term cure.

Lands End 2006

In 2006, Peter had the vision to raise money for GCRF and a team of 10-15 cyclists gathered from various countries across the world. They cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats in the United Kingdom, a distance of about 1000 miles. On the 10 July 2006 Dylan and Lauren Thomas started the ride at Land's End while Peter was in the Woking hospice unable to ride. The riders finished the race in 10 days. This event says volumes about Peter, he motivated, inspired and persuaded a varied group of people and companies to participate and give support, time and money to the ride. He organised , planned and trained, while still undergoing treatment. His positive attitude, fighting spirit and courage inspired the team to complete the ride in his honour. Sadly Peter passed away on the 22 August.

With this ride a huge amount of $85 000 was raised.

The vision was to organise a ride every three years and this year in September 2009 , a group of riders will be riding from Montreal to New York, a 1000 miles in 10 days!!!

Your donation will help fund GIST Research.

The GIST Cancer Research Fund, has provided GIST cancer research grants to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Harvard University) in Boston, MA, the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia , PA, the University of Pittsburgh, PA, The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City , NY and the Oregon Health Sciences University Cancer Institute in Portland, OR. One Hundred Percent (100%) of all the funds raised have and will continue to go directly for research on GIST cancer, under the advisement of Dr. Ephraim Caspar, GCRF's chief medical advisor.

On the 24th of September we will head off from Montreal in Canada on a 1000 Mile cycle ride to Rocklands State Park in New York. Please email us on – Enquiries@giste2e.net – to find out more about sponsoring or joining us on this journey.

Alternatively Click here to find out how you can sponsor us or show your support by posting a comment on our blog.

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