London to Chertsey, Sunday 5th June



My day started at 5am for the second time in a row. This time, however, I could feel the aches and pains from cycling for 13hours for 102 miles into a 20mph headwind on the London to Peterborough leg the previous day.

Saturday had been a very draining day both physically and emotionally for me. I had witnessed the huge support for Stuart which started with the Board of Management and other senior staff being present at Dean’s Yard to cheer us off. I then have 13 hours of memories of seeing the pink Stuart Niven sticker emblazoned on various people in front of me, constantly reminding me why on earth I was doing battle with the hills, miles and the constant wind. Being clapped in as darkness fell at the Peterborough office was the icing on a huge satisfying cake.

Today, though, I just wanted to enjoy it.

My fingers and every other crossable bodypart were crossed for the wind to continue, as this time it would be behind us on the London to Chertsey leg. ‘Please let there be a tail wind and no more dramas!’



Graham Bignell, Me (Steve Truluck), James Graham, Robin Close, Richard Brown & Lizzie Dear in Dean's Yard

Our luck was in. The 6 of us starting from Dean’s Yard cruised along the Thames Path way ahead of schedule. We stopped at Richmond Park for a coffee to ensure that John, our one man support crew, was doing as well as us. Sadly, he was struggling to keep up with the pace as well as resist the stash of chocolate bought to replenish us.

Taking care to avoid the Deer crossing the road in the park, we progressed to Kingston Bridge where we were joined by the Ward family.

Henry, Sarah, Jessica & Andy Ward prepare to RHide for Stuart Niven

Henry, aged 2, tried to foil our smooth run to Hampton Court Bridge by losing a shoe but Jessica, age 5, got us back on track by heading up the pelaton and setting a strong pace.

Jessica Ward leads the way!

Graham Bignell on his funky fold up bike

Even though she has only been cycling for 2 months she blitzed the route up to Hampton Court Bridge where we were joined by the remaining participants for the ride.



The Cooks and The Lees ready for action at Hampton Ct Station

In stark contrast to the previous day, we continued to coast along the route taking in the scenery along the Thames.

We arrived at the Chertsey office a whole hour ahead of schedule due to the 3 youngsters within our group (Graham, Les & Robin) keeping up a surprisingly quick pace!



Outside the Chertsey Office one hour ahead of schedule!

Back row: Steve Truluck, Paul Crosby, Les Rivers, Phil de Jean, Robin Close.

Middle row: Richard Cook, Sharon Cook, John Russell, Tanya Lee, Richard Brown, James Graham, Lizzie Dear, Dave Lee, Graham Bignell.

Front row: William Cook, Joseph Cook, George Lee.



Sandwiches and chips at the local pub were then followed by birthday cake to celebrate Joseph Cook’s 8^th birthday – just reward for Joseph giving up his day to take part in the RHide for Stuart Niven.

Happy 8th Birthday Joseph!

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and for the second day running I was able to look around me during the RHide and be truly humbled by the level of support being given to Stuart Niven.

Thank you to everyone for your effort and hard work in making this happen and for hopefully raising a substantial amount of money to help support Stuart.

Steve Truluck, Chertsey Office

I really wish my hair wouldn't keep sticking up through my helmet.....