From London to Monte Carlo

Growing up on a farm means that you very rarely come across strangers, especially when said town is situated in the middle of Mpumalanga’s Highveld. However after many years of long hours, endless building supplies and countless mistakes my parents created a beautiful lodge on one of the most stunning farms one could ever come across.

It was here where I got my first waitressing job, my first job behind a bar and my first meeting with a man called Jonathan Stage.

Oh, he looked so terribly out of place! His tall, pale frame was almost as out of the ordinary as his British accent. And his lack of khakis, two-toned shirts and army boots informed me that he was definitely NOT a local. To this day I have no idea how this well mannered, well educated Brit managed to stumble across our doorstep.

I soon learnt that he was adventure obsessed and loved Africa more than most Africans do. It wasn’t long before he looked right at home on our lodge. He probably new all the little ins and outs of the farm better than I did. He worked for us for a while before he moved on to new adventures and new countries.

Tragically, Jonny’s mother suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, a disease which causes memory loss and get’s progressively worse until there is no memory left to lose. Jonny has had to witness his mother lose all her memories, her lucid moments becoming fewer and slowly losing her ability to remember friendships and relationships without being able to do anything about it. You see, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s.

But Jonny intends to alter this and while he lacks the ability to do the research himself he does intend to raise the money to help. In May of 2013 he intends to cycle from London to Monte Carlo in order to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

There is more information on the following link about the Society, the planned cycle as well as a plea for donations to help get this cause off the ground. Please could you all help me in supporting Jonny on his journey? Any donations are welcome. Let’s help find a cure for this disease.

London to Monte Carlo