Year III / 2025!!

Once again .. yes, we're MENTAL!

I‘ve loved heavy metal for as long as I can recall… combining this with causes I am passionate about, raising both money for underprivileged children AND awareness of issues we all face is as my best friend of (now) 46 years, Mike Penrose, often states; ‘some things you just have to do’. 

So, I shall be undertaking the 175-mile cycle ride (again!!!) from The Big Penny Social, London E17, right around the corner from where I was born, to Download Festival 2025 at the home of British heavy metal, Donington Park. 
 

In July it will be FOUR years since I completed treatment for cancer. THREE years in full metabolic remission. The mental and physical challenges were immense.

Not only me, but other best mate of nearly 30 years, Alan, college friend Nicky and respected colleague Alex and newer courageous friend, Rebecca Weavers (literally just finished her treatment), have all suffered tremendously due to cancer and its related side effects.

My everlasting respect goes out to them for their fortitude and support in theirs and my battles; Thank you. 

It will soon be the 13 year anniversary of the passing of friend and respected photographer Ashley Maile. He had bowel cancer and was just 35. I think of him any time Download Festival (or us watching Gojira there together in 2006) is mentioned in conversation. He was simply one of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet.

Mark Walker, an ex-doorman colleague and close friend passed away 6 years ago this year - it was honestly crushing to receive this news as it was shared with me the day I arrived at BloodStock festival… what a bizarre feeling - so isolated and alone in a cwd of 15,00 people. I will never forget it.
Mark was a vivacious and strong character, much missed. He had bladder cancer and was 57.

Lastly, sadly and more recently, mid-2024, industry powerhouse and globally respected publicist, Michelle Kerr passed away at 57.
It's not often one might credit another human with actually helping to save One's life. I am profoundly grateful that I can do that today and shall continue to do so for the remainder of my life. Having known her for some 20 yrs, Michelle was one of the very first to reach out to me in Jan. '21, when I had just received a preliminary diagnosis.

It's crushingly unfair to have lost Michelle but I, for one, am eternally in respectful awe of her contributions to so many.

If Mike, fellow Truants and myself can raise anything by way of financial support and awareness, then mission accomplished.

A massive ‘thank you’ to my employer, Celer Tech for their support and kickstart to my fundraising. You are wonderful people.

Please, if you can, share and donate as you are able.

The HMT proudly support;

Teenage Cancer Trust

Nordoff Robbins

Save the Children

ChildLine

Wish us - On 'Ride Day - The 13th' - all the luck!

Cheers,

-Stew