It was immediately after finishing my first Fireflies ride that my brother Marc passed away from cancer. I was able to spend a couple of lucid days bedside with him before he left us, with our mother Hilly, his wife Cecilia, and myself at his side. He was stoic and brave until the end… his only regret was that he wouldn’t be able to be part of the growing lives and achievements of his two daughters, Sophia and Natalia. His death came only a year after our father Rodney died… also from cancer, and also far too young.

The Fireflies ride brings to the surface a lot of emotion I would rather keep buried to be honest, but because of the timing of that first ride it has such a connection with Marc’s death that I find it hard to imagine not being part of it.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on my previous rides. I know from those rides it’s your support that gives me the mental fortitude not to give up when at times riding 1,000kms over 6 days the hills can feel too steep, too long, and too impossible. Ultimately, and more importantly it’s your support and generosity that helps those who are experiencing far greater suffering, and makes finding a cure for blood cancers an actual possibility. Thanks.