Think Again Director Ian Parkinson is back down to sea level after completing a gruelling four day cycle in the Italian Alps. Ian (back row, second left) was one of a 13-strong team that completed the dash across the Dolomites for the leukaemia cancer charity Le Mead. We were proud to sponsor the challenge, which is on course to raise £20K.

The high point (literally) was conquering the Stelvio Pass, one of the highest roads in Europe. Cycling past ski lifts, and often way above the clouds, the team rode through rain, sleet and high winds, reaching altitudes of more than 9,000 feet and rounding no fewer than 48 hairpin bends.

We followed Ian’s exploits on text and Twitter, wincing at,”Today’s cycling is courtesy Ibuprofen, SIS energy gels and several espressos…” and then cheering to hear, “Harder, steeper, and colder than I thought possible. But Team Le Mead are on top of the world.”

Starting in Venice and finishing in Milan, the team was touched by the generosity of people they met along the way. When the first five riders finally got to the little mountain cafe at the top of the Stelvio, soaking wet and frozen, there was a group of Irish motorcyclists warming up inside.  When they discovered what Ian and co were doing and why, one of them handed over a 50 euro note, quickly followed by more cash from the rest.

Now he’s back, Ian’s offered to bring in his Think Again sponsored shirt to the office – as a momento to frame and hang on the wall. Come and admire it when you visit. Before you ask, we’ll make sure he washes it first.

If you’d like to help fight leukaemia, you can donate to Le Mead 2010 by going to Ian’s Just Giving page here: www.justgiving.com/ian-parkinson