In memory of my stepdad, Roy Bowen, and in aid of Prostate Cancer UK, I am taking on the biggest solo challenge of my life so far.

What better way to commemorate the life of Roy, than to cycle the route of his life, from his birthplace, Seeboden in Austria, to his final resting place, Sarlat la Caneda in France, via the UK.

From Seeboden, Roy moved with his parents to Leeds.  His adventurous nature saw him take on jobs all over the world before heading south to Poole to manage a holiday park.  Here he met my mum, and they spent several years working hard and making lifelong friends, before finally moving to beautiful Sarlat in the Dordogne, to live their dream.  Sadly here, late last year, he lost his long, hard fight with prostate cancer.

Roy was nothing but inspiring, a born storyteller with a real zest for life.  He loved to help people and to share his knowledge.  Nothing was ever too much, and there was very little he hadn’t tried.  He couldn't resist a challenge, albeit an intellectual rather than physical one, but that's where I get to do my bit.

I plan to cycle 100 miles a day for 15 days.

On 1^st August 2014, I will begin my journey from Seeboden.  No doubt Austria will prove to be a tough start, with inclement weather and mountainous roads, but it should be beautiful.  On through Germany and Holland to catch a ferry to Hull.

An overnight crossing will provide a near luxurious night’s rest, before cycling across the north of England to Leeds.

From Leeds, I begin my journey south.  Although Poole should be the next stop, I will go via Winchester, my home town, and drum up some friends to join me on the 50 or so miles from there to Poole.

Another ferry crossing, and on to the final leg of my journey - south through the beautiful French countryside to the finish line in Sarlat.

I plan to do this without support vehicles or any support team.  

I know this won't be easy and I’m up against tight deadlines, but I will do it.  No matter how tough it is, it doesn't come close to battling with cancer, or helplessly watching a loved one die. 

This cause is very close to my heart.  Although it is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year, I still feel we can do more to raise awareness.

So many of you generously donate to worthy causes and events, throughout the year, year on year, but please consider giving whatever you can, however big or small, to make this challenge worthwhile.  

And yes.  I am mad.

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