Pedaling for a purpose: Penny's ride across Jordan

Penny's story
When Simon Herniman died the World not only lost a wonderful, energetic magnificent human being but Elika - our daughter, lost a father. During the initial difficult years of adjustment to solo parenting, caring for a wonderful daughter and trying to make sense of our new World - Winstons Wish were there for empathy, advice and a caring professional voice at the end of a phone. Their support of both myself and Elika was literally life-saving and my gratitude towards them is immense. They were there not only to support Elika, but also to support me - giving me the tools that, in turn, allowed me to provide the best possible support for my bereaved daughter.

For a child the death of a parent is not a one off event, it is omnipresent; at every birthday party, every Christmas, every family celebration, every sports day, every "first" - from riding a bike, to camping, to walking to school, to grazing your knee, to prize giving and the million moments in between. For bereaved children, they have a daily reminder of the absence of the missing parent.

Winstons Wish helped us navigate those years. Helping to raise money for this charity will enable other children and their families, through their bereavement journey.

As Elika grew into a kind and interested child - a chance conversation with a colleague @Sally Keenan, she had talked highly about the George Heriot's Foundation for "faitherless bairns" and the generous legacy left for those children who have lost a parent. An opportunity for those children not only to attend the school but also to be cared for and nurtured through the incredible pastoral care offered. It is a supportive, caring community for the Foundationer's and helps form the core ethos of the school. The school motto embodies this "We distribute chearfullie".

Elika has been nurtured educationally as well as emotionally by the wider staff and the Foundation Scheme. This is another charity which has helped Elika to grow into the young person she is today. Raising money for Foundation 400, shall help protect the legacy for future Foundationers at the school.

A note from Pete
When Penny suggested that I take part in a long distance cycle to raise money for charity I jumped at the chance. The original plan was to cycle the North Coast 500 in Scotland. Given the vagaries of the Scottish weather in the early autumn I persuaded Penny to move the cycle to Jordan. I only hope the weather is not too hot in September and that there are regular stops for restorative cake!

Charities
Please note that 100% of your donations will be split between the charities mentioned. Winstons Wish (now Child Bereavement UK) and George Heriot's Foundation 400.

George Heriot's School
George Heriot’s is a school like no other, made special by the support given to local children who have lost a parent. The Foundation provides a supported education to the children of widows and widowers who live in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. In addition to a fully-funded education, Heriot’s provides specialist bereavement support to families. Nothing can make up for the complex effects of a loss of a parent on a child’s life and as such Heriot’s strives to create a supportive and inspiring environment in which children can flourish. Heriot’s 400 year old legacy of ‘distributing chearfullie’ relies on the generosity, kindness and support of our donors. The whole Heriot’s community is behind our fabulous cyclists and we wish them well for their Charity Bike Ride.

The challenge
Take one middle-aged, not particularly fit, mum and send her off on a bike cycling through Jordan. In the hope that firstly it can be completed and secondly, so that others may also be inspired to raise charitable donations for things they believe in, and would like to see others benefit from.
The route is a mixture of off-road and some on-road cycling heading from Madaba to Aqaba, taking in Petra and Wadi Rum over six days following parts of the Jordan Trail. Still not entirely sure of the total distance!!

Being awe-inspired by Petra and sleeping out under the stars in Wadi Rum almost two decades ago - a trip Simon and I did together. It felt a fitting place to return to and slightly less traffic than the NC500!

Support
- Pete Cackett: joining the fun and inspiration behind cakes & cycling
- Trish & John: caring for Elika, whilst I’m away
- Sofi: awesome friend, organiser and website guru
- Liz & Neil: earlier fundraising for Winstons Wish and motivators
- Warrender Baths Gym: Courtney training programme
- Ride to the Sun: VERY fun 100 mile event
- Gill & Phil my partners in cycling crime
- Gareth Warren (George Heriot's Principal) for his encouragement and asking whenever we met “How’s the training going….?”

Last, but by no means least. My beautiful daughter - Elika, whose help, belief, love and support through this has been unwavering. You are a star!

Preparation
One bike, several friends, time at the gym and a lot of time on the aforementioned bike! And some cake!!