LE>1k>JOG: Press Release

PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release

September 2, 2006

University of Oxford Said Business School MBA student sets sights on 1,000-mile cycle challenge for local charity

University of Oxford Said Business School MBA student Paul Rode, has pledged to cycle 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a bid to raise £2,000 in aid of the Dorking and District Alzheimer’s Group. Paul is riding as part of a three-person team including his Dad, Richard Rode and his best friend, Spencer King.

The gruelling route, which takes in some of Britain’s stiffest hills, is expected to take Paul 12 days to cycle at a rate of over 80 miles a day. Paul, 29, has close connections with the Dorking & District Alzheimer's Group. His Grandmother, Lillian Nagle, visited thet day care centre on many occassions and greatly benefited from the Group's personal support. Paul's Mum, Mary Rode, is also involved with the group, and fundraises for it at local events such as the Brockham (Surrey) Village Fair.

£2,000 will make a significant contribution to the charity’s day-to-day operations. Just £20 covers an exercise session with an instructor for the clients, while £75 buys an afternoon’s musical entertainment for everyone in the centre.

Speaking about undertaking the 1,000-mile challenge, Paul said: “Riding to support the incredible work of the Dorking & District Alzheimer’s Group is a real privilege for me. Their support and assistance provided outstanding day care for my Grandmother and continues to benefit many others, providing families such as mine with vital respite.

“I am really excited about the ride. We will be passing through Bristol, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Inverness before finally reaching John O’Groats. Fingers crossed we get good weather!”

Paul is covering all of his own costs with every penny raised in sponsorship going directly to the Dorking & District Alzheimer’s Group.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/paulrode Paul’s training can be followed at http://paulrode.blogspot.com

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For more information, please contact Paul Rode on 07769-976376 or at paulrode@gmail.com

Notes:

Dorking & District Alzheimer’s Group of the Alzheimer’s Society>>

The Dorking & District Alzheimer's Day Care Centre has been operating since 1997. It is open five days a week offering day care places to people with dementia and provides carers with vital respite. It has adopted a 'person centered' approach and offers a wide range of activities that are tailor made for the individual. Regular Carers Support Group Meetings are arranged the first Thursday of the month from 10 - 12 in the form of a 'drop in' coffee morning at 26 - 28 Hampstead Road, Dorking. Everyone is welcome.

Carers and members enjoy outings in the summer, all organised by the Branch to give both 'quality time' with their relatives, with the peace of mind that there is help on hand if needed. Seasonal events are also arranged for Carers and their relatives such as entertainment afternoons.

Paul Rode

Paul is 29 and lives in Oxford. He was born in Bath, and grew up in Brockham, Surrey, where his parents still live. Paul attended Betchworth Primary School, Brockham Middle School and The Ashcombe School, Dorking.

Paul is currently at the Said Business School, University of Oxford, studying for his Masters of Business Administration (MBA). He graduates in September 2006.

Paul has raised over £10,000 for charity to date. He has run the London Marathon three times, and completed the challenging Big Sur International Marathon (California, USA) in 3 hours 56 minutes. Paul is an avid cyclist. He has twice ridden the AIDSLifecycle, a 585 mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in support of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Centre.

Paul training on the outskirts of Oxford.