Raising funds in memory of Derek Hurst

Just under 4 years ago in August 2018 myself and a good mate went camping to watch the Belgian F1 Grand Prix. This mate of mine was Derek Hurst. Not only a mate, but my mentor, my boss, a colleague, a father, a brother, a comrade and so much more to so many people.

 

Less than 12 months after this photo was taken Derek was cruelly diagnosed with an incurable brain disorder called Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease and in September 2019 at just aged 49 this cruel disease cut the life of a great man short.

 

In the final weeks of his life he was looked after by the brilliant staff at St Teresa's Hospice in Darlington close to his loved ones.

 

In the time that followed it was always my intention to raise money for the hospice as well as the Cure CJD Campaign with a big sporting challenge. Unfortunately we all know what happened early in 2020 and sadly Covid put my plans on hold for 2 years.

 

Finally 2 years later than planned, I am honoured to announce the Tour de Derek. I will be cycling 875km over the course of 13 days in July, beginning at the Pelsis office we both worked at in Barneveld (NL), stopping off at our Pelsis office in Bornem (BE) and finishing off at the place where it all began, Pelsis, Sterling House in Knaresborough (UK).

13/7 Leg 1 - Pelsis NL > Lunteren (Derek's Dutch home) > Den Bosch (78km)
14/7 Leg 2 - Den Bosch > Antwerp (98km)
15/7 Leg 3 - Antwerp > Pelsis BE > Gent (68km)
16/7 Leg 4 - Gent > Ypres (73km)
17/7 Rest Day 
18/7 Leg 5 - Ypres > Calais (89km)
19/7 Leg 6 - Dover > Rochester (73km)
20/7 Leg 7 - Rochester > Duxford (101km)
21/7 Leg 8 - Duxford > Peterborough (74km)
22/7 Rest Day
23/7 Leg 9 - Peterborough > Lincoln (87km)
24/7 Leg 10 - Lincoln > Doncaster (62km)
25/7 Leg 11 - Doncaster > Pelsis UK (72km)

 

You can track my progress here - https://www.instagram.com/tourdederek/

 

It would be great if you could donate as much as you can to this great cause.

 

Thanks,

 

Chris