177. Olaf Scholz: Putin, Power, and Far-Right Populism
23 February 2026
Back from the bikeathon, inspired once more by 13-year-old Joe Smale
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Post
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26 June 2011
I'm just back from the London Bikeathon, another 52 miles in the legs, and a dose of sunburn on the neck. But, as ever, it was a terrific way to spend the morning, with 5000 other cyclists raising money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
Some of you may remember that a few weeks ago I talked about a 13 year old boy called Joe Smale, who has now had leukaemia three times in his short life, and is currently recovering from a bone marrow transplant.
Joe and his family have done the 26 mile version of the bikeathon for years but this year he was deemed not well enough to take part. Undeterred he persuaded his doctors he should be allowed to do it on a bike machine in hospital.
However, today they decided he was not well enough for the task. But they did let him out to go down to the start of the race at Battersea Power station, and start one of the waves of cyclists.
I have known Joe for a few years now, in good times and bad, sick and healthy. As you will see from this Youtube video, he is an extraordinary young man. See the film and then, if you're feeling generous, visit his fundraising page.
Big Society in action. Hopefully saving Joe, and many others as the charity continues its remarkable research which has seen death rates in childhood leukaemia fall from almost 100 per cent to less than 10 in half a century.
Very inspiring and moving. Inspiring and truly special.
Really inspiring and moving. Very special and couragous people – your commitment and support is wonderful
Really inspirational, moving and special. Your commitment and example are exceptional – the courage and resilance of all at the heart of this are lovely.
Well done Alastair – Norman Tebbit would be proud of you….
Bit warm today too for it, well in Wales it is. It is poeth here at the moment.
http://www.geiriadur.net/index.php?page=ateb&term=poeth&direction=we&type=all&whichpart=exact
What an exceptionally brave and strong lad Joe seems to be. Thank you for bringing him to my attention, Alastair; well done for the bikeathon today, and for the opportunity to help from my office as I am unable to act for this chap in a more practical way.
God bless, Shirley D.
Oh dear, just found out, have you?
http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/06/found-dead-cameron-glastonbury
TWATS! ban me will you NS,
hold on to your oxford leatherbound dictionary, look away now, english pals, for your language referemce, butt,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32FikbHoz3o
Congrats to the marvellous Craig on being spliced with Rachel – think this would have got her to do it, as any womaan alive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYXQCUSsJfQ
Chester United Danny, yeh, Boot and Shoe up on the rows, yeh,
http://www.realmovienews.com/movieimages/8960/9031/9031_968_poster_1_f.jpg
Maes Saesneg (english) is essenshal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5L6L-1UgjQ
Well done AC and thanks for sharing the link to Joe’s video and page. Very worthy cause.
Glad you liked it. The start with censorship wotsit that it would no doubt be banned by “cock-smokers” really cut me up in giggles bigtime it did, before the rest of the marvellous. Ow. ow. owww move move mooo-oo-o-ove, canoes!
Marriage is a simple equation, that should not be complicated further, The factors are two, and when they become algebaeic or trigonometrical, they always make fools of them themselves. Always plan to be arithmetic in your life. and you will be cushty, perffick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJX9O-OgP3E
Boot Inn on the Chester rows, even,
More for all. i know you Hamstead Teeth/Islington dinner set are asking for more in that Landarn,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSs7k4BDe9c