This year, we are doing things a bit differently.
A long-time friend of ours, and a well known member of the UK scene, Dr Mike Johnson aka "Longboardbuddha" aka "Longy", has recently been struggling with cancer. We thought it would be appropriate to raise some money for a charity of his choosing, and he has this to say...
"Skateboarders are a dysfunctional group of people. They have chosen a hobby, sport or pastime (call it what you will) that puts them in a class totally of their own. Now imagine a group of skateboarders even more dysfunctional that enjoy downhill skateboarding and you have an eclectic group of folk that to be honest are madder than a bucket of spiders.
The idea that Lush Longboards and the event organisers corral and control this disparate group and manage to put on an event like the Bath to Bristol charity skateboard event fills me with pride. In past years they have raised oodles of cash and raised the profile of the various charities they have chosen to support..
In March of this year I was diagnosed with cancer, a shock. I was a fit skater and felt better than I had for years. It was a bombshell to be honest. As soon as the news sinks in another set of problems raises its head. Who do you talk to? Who can offer support? How do I deal with these problems and fight the disease at the same time? Mix these factors in with a dysfunctional downhill skateboarder and you can see it's a whole recipe of disasters.
Enter Macmillan nurses. From day one Macmillan nurses have been a pillar of support for myself and my family during times that have been, to be honest, horrible. Cancer is a tough battle, you need people who can offer support, help and advice through tough times. Macmillan nurses have stood shoulder to shoulder with me throughout.
Some of the people that will skate in this year's Bath to Bristol event for the Macmillan nurses are the greatest people I have ever met. I have ridden down hills, streets and parks with most of them. Argued, laughed, and cried with the rest. They are my 'ace in the hole' in that whenever I feel humanity not worth a second look, they restore my faith that love and not hate will endure. I have been constantly amazed by their humility, humour and absolute zest for what they do and this connection between the Bath to Bristol event and Macmillan nurses will be a major positive note in an increasingly negative world.
Get to the Bath to Bristol event, raise some cash, dress as something that inspires people to laugh. Its the best medicine!
Love Longy xxxx
Fancy dress is obligatory this year (well not obligatory, but expect some heckling if you just turn up in shorts and a Tshirt!), we'll be doing prizes for the best costumes, a prize draw for everyone who raises over £50, and some random other giveaways. Go to the Justgiving page to pledge your cash to Macmillan Cancer Support!
For more info about the event, please contact the lovely jo@lushlongboards.com.
There's also a facebook page and forum thread for you to talk about it on.
See you in October!
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