Heart Valve Voice Cycle Team 2018
Thursday 24th May 2018
The 2018 Heart Valve Voice cycle ride from London to Paris is officially over and I am so proud of the team and what they have accomplished over these past three days.
Yesterday we got an early start and everyone was looking forward to getting to Paris. The weather has been on our side (apart from a small, slightly intense downpour) and the team has kept their energy and good spirits up.
As we travelled through the lovely countryside of France we found ourselves reflecting on the journey so far. For our patents Marina McGrath and Gerry Kijak, the most profound thing for them has been how far they’ve come since they were first diagnosed with heart valve disease. Marina can’t believe that she was able to complete so many miles on this trip and Gerry is grateful for everything life has to offer, especially being able to explore beautiful countries like France.
There were a few hiccups on the ride, some punctures, some of us getting off route, and the usual that comes with a ride like this but I have to say that everyone has pulled together and supported each other. The teamwork on this year’s tour has been second to none and I have seen our team members become good friends over the last few days.
We finally arrived in Paris and on time for our presentation at EuroPCR at the Palais de Congres. I was joined on stage by half of our team, as the others were en route or having their thumb mended, and the reception we received from the delegates at the conference was great. Everyone was so impressed with what we had accomplished and I think we may have inspired a few people to come and join us next year!
I want to say a big thank you to Bicycle Buddy who took care of the team and made sure that everyone was safe. They have been brilliant at keeping us all on track and at troubleshooting any issues that arose. I also want to thank our generous sponsors, EuroPCR, The British Society of Echocardiography, BISMICS, Edwards, Cryolife, Abbott, Park Plaza Hotels Waterloo, Arragon’s Cycle Centre and Cyclism as well as all of the hospitals that cheered us on, we couldn’t have done this without you. Finally a huge thank you to the team, you have been amazing this year and have really made the 2018 Heart Valve Voice cycle ride one to remember. I couldn’t be more proud and I was so happy to have had you all on our team. I am looking forward to cycling along side you all next year!