Jim...
Born in the Netherlands in 1993, Jim started life with sister Libby and Dad Matt and for a brief period his mother too, in a gypsy caravan. Before long though there was just the 3 of them, and together they moved into a real house, and soon Jim started school which he continues to really enjoy. His hobbies are football, archery and reading – ask him anything about Harry Potter and he is sure to know the answer! There is nothing he enjoys more that getting out on a cycle ride with his Dad, so the A-Z ride will be rich in fun, no doubt some hard work too, but Jim will smile through it all.
The story so far...
The Network
In April 2006 a new global grassroots spinal cord injury network came into being, born out of the growing numbers of spinal cord injured that want to work together to aid in the fight for a cure for paralysis. Its membership now spans 40 countries and by carrying out global and national actions, stepnow hopes to raise awareness of spinal cord injury, the progress of research, and the urgency for a cure. Whilst most campaigns are launched from the desks and computers of its members in the form of emails, letters, posters etc. in the summer of 2008 a unique and exciting 'action' event will take place to raise awareness for spinal cord research...
The Ride
Departure point is scheduled to be in the Vondel Park Amsterdam at the end of June. Friends, supporters and sponsors will give Matt, Jim and support team a cracking send-off to their Stepnow Ride for Research 2008. The journey will take them through the southern parts of the Netherlands into Germany just north of Cologne (Köln), following routes through varying countryside all the way down to the Austrian/Swiss borders. Crossing into Austria along what will undoubtedly be the most arduous mountain climbs Matt and his team will enter Italy, after a brief period of rest in Bregrenz, and start to descend the roads leading to Venice. Then, following near-coastal routes along the Adriatic, they will head for Slovenia and across to Croatia, working their way to their final destination of Zagreb. A welcoming party at the end of August will await the riders to congratulate them on their terrific achievement.
The Stepnowride Team
The Muscles:
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The Skeleton:
Tech, Driver, Dog
The Nerve Centre:
Barbara Carlile
The Reasons
one very good reason - research for a cure is progressing but needs government and public support.
and hundreds of thousands more - the numbers of spinal cord injured will not stop increasing, and all those suffering paralysis endure a lifetime of medical, social, psychological and economic complications.
The Sponsors
Stepnow is pleased to welcome sponsors from the scientific, medical and corporate fields as well as donations of equipment from relevant suppliers, and additionally from private donors. All sponsorship/donations will go towards making the ride happen. If you or your company are interested in being a part of this exciting venture, please email Barbara at for details of sponsorship levels.
