Jim Perryman’s ‘Tours de France’ solo sponsored cycle ride

Jim Perryman retired from his role as ICS Short-term Mission Manager in November, and is now undertaking a solo sponsored cycle ride to raise money for Colostomy UK, a charity close to his heart, as you can read below.

‘Four years ago, I embarked on a cycle ride from Taizé, in the Burgundy hills, to Tours, mainly along the ‘Loire à Vélo’ long distance cycle route.  A few weeks after my return, and with no apparent link to my journey, I was hit with a major medical problem which led to a significant section of my intestine being removed, resulting in me now living with a Stoma. However, despite the minor inconvenience of requiring a colostomy bag on my stomach, I have been blessed with a full recovery following the excellent care I received, and have sinced been able to enjoy life fully including skiing, hiking, gym workouts and cycling – as well as working two busy part-time jobs until I retired in 2025.

As I approach my 70th birthday, I want to give thanks for the care and support I received by raising funds, primarily, for the main UK Stoma Support charity, Colostomy UK, and I ask you to help me in this by sponsoring me on this challenging ride. I plan to start where I left off in 2022 – Tours – and continue to cycle solo, along the ‘Loire à Vélo’ route to Angers, and then to join a different long-distance cycle route, ‘La Vélo Francette’ which concludes at the ferry port in Ouistreham, a total of roughly 450km in 7 days. 

I would stress that this is a real challenge to me as I am not a regular cyclist, and this time, in addition to carrying my own camping equipment, supplies and clothing on my bike, I will need to carry my supply of medical needs.  Three of the stages will see me passing my previous record (72.5km) for a day’s cycling. A small proportion of funds raised will be given in aid of some other charities, including ICS, with which I have strong personal links, who are supporting me with publicising this event.

How can you help?

Please consider helping me raise funds by sponsoring me and please pray for me as I ride, as I am not a regular cyclist and I will be riding solo without ‘backup’. See more, donate, and keep up to date with my progress, at www.youtree.uk/toursdefrance

Please join us in praying for Jim as he sets off on Monday 7 September.