Starting on 1 September 2024, ADSHG Trustee Robert and his friend Mark will embark on an extensive cycling challenge from Verona to Venice. Covering a demanding 450 kilometres over 5 days, this ride aims to raise funds for our charity. 

Robert is deeply committed to our cause as his daughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with Addison's as a teenager. Our charity's mission is very important to him and he is determined to contribute to raising essential awareness and funds!

Both Robert and Mark have personally funded all costs including the flights, bike airfreight, accommodation, and sustenance costs, meaning that all proceeds are donated to the ADSHG. Please help Robert reach his fundraising target by clicking the link below:

Please donate

Below Robert shares further insight into his upcoming challenge:

"Hi everyone,

We're taking on an exciting challenge to support a cause close to our hearts, and we need your help to make a difference.

I'm Robert McClements, and together with my cycling buddy of over 25 years, Mark Richardson, we're embarking on a special journey. We'll cycle from Verona, Italy, to the shores of Lake Garda and then take a scenic and challenging route to Venice - 450 km in all. This isn't just any bike ride; it's a fundraiser for the Addison's Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG), which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

Since 2020, I've had the privilege of serving as a trustee of ADSHG, a charity that supports those affected by Addison's disease and adrenal insufficiency.

My motivation for this cause is deeply personal. My daughter, Victoria, has Addison’s disease. This rare and often overlooked condition can be difficult to diagnose, even among medical professionals. Victoria's diagnosis came late, leading to a significant health crisis during her teenage years. While the disease is incurable, effective treatments exist. Despite the fatigue that comes with Addison’s disease, Victoria has never let it hold her back. She has pursued her passion for performing arts and has established a successful business.

One of the challenges for Addison’s disease patients is the risk of an adrenal crisis, which means they must carry an emergency injection kit everywhere. Currently, using this kit is awkward and requires practice in mixing medications.

As a trustee, I've enjoyed steering our charity to support ventures aimed at developing an auto-injector prototype. There's a particularly promising US start-up making significant progress towards this goal. If successful, this will make life easier and safer for people with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency. However, research, development, approvals, and production are costly, and we want the charity to continue supporting these crucial efforts.

This brings us to our bike ride. Mark and I have taken or bought annual leave from our jobs and covered all our flight, airfreight, and accommodation costs. As we cycle across Italy every £, € $ and Kroner you donate will go directly to the charity. Your support will help the ADSHG in its mission to support everyone affected by Addison's and adrenal insufficiency while funding vital research and developments.

Please consider donating. Your kindness can make a real difference in the lives of people with Addison’s disease and adrenal insufficiency. Thank you for your support!"

Support Robert and Mark

Below you can see a detailed map of the expected routing for their challenge:

They expect to take the following cycling route:

31 August: Day 1 - Arrival in Verona

Overnight in Verona

1 September: Day 2 - Lake Garda loop.

Overnight in Verona

2 September: Day 3 - Verona > Montagnana. The itinerary follows river Adige, then detours to the medieval village of Soave, then back heading south towards Cologna Veneta and Montagnana.

Overnight in Montagnana 

3 September: Day 4 - Montagnana > Vicenza. The itinerary heads east following a canal until it gets at the base of the Euganean hills by the village of Este, then heads north following a beautiful bike path at the base of the Euganean hills, then it goes towards the Berici hills and finally gets to Vicenza.

Overnight in Vicenza

4 September: Day 5 - Vicenza > Castelfranco Veneto. The itinerary goes north crossing the large Veneto plains until it gets at the base of the mountains by the medieval village of Marsotica. Then, after the visit of Bassano del Grappa, it heads east to Asolo (you can climb the hill that gets to the top of the village) and then south again, following a relaxing bike path that flanks a creek until Castelfranco Veneto.

Overnight in Castelfranco Veneto

5 September: Day 6 - Castelfranco Veneto > Venice (Mestre) The itinerary is totally flat and mainly follows rivers and bike paths. First it heads south flanking Muson creek, then it follows the old trail of the train Treviso - Ostiglia until Treviso. After Treviso, the itinerary flanks the river Sile to Mestre and to Venice.

Overnight in Venice (Mestre)

6 September: Day 7 - Departure

Follow Robert and Mark's Cycling Challenge

Within the following video, Robert shares more details about his upcoming fundraiser:

Robert's video

Watch Robert's YouTube Video here: 

Thank you to Robert for all you do for our charity! 

Best of luck to you and Mark for your upcoming cycling challenge from Verona to Venice. We know you will do amazingly well. Your support means the world to us.

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