On Sunday 30th June, an intrepid group of Deloitte cyclists will attempt one of the hardest 1-day cycling endurance in the world, the Maratona Dles Dolomites, in order to raise money for research into a particular type of cancer which has recently affected one of our number.

The preparation has involved 8 months of sacrifices, and whilst maybe not tears, then certainly gallons of sweat and a little blood too. Let's face it, having to spend a Saturday night in the Swansea town centre Travelodge ahead of a 130 mile Brecon Beacon ride early the next morning is worth the sponsorship alone - money has been raised for far less traumatic experiences.

The Race:

 - 138km, 4.2km of vertical ascent, 7 of the Dolomite mountains to climb in a single day.

The Story:

On March 5th 2013 Jon's wife Fi lost her short battle with Cancer, having only been diagnosed 6 months earlier. She leaves behind a loving husband, having been married for less than 2 years, and a huge amount of friends, family and colleagues who will sadly miss her wit, charm, grace, beauty and love. Fi was diagnosed with secondary cancer of the lungs in the Autumn of 2012

having initially developed a troublesome cough. Unfortunately the lung cancer was symptom of another cancer somewhere else in her body that had spread to the lungs. This is known as CUP, or Cancer of Unknown Primary. Fi bravely undertook chemotherapy to battle the cancer and remained positive despite the gloomy prognosis. Sadly, she lost her battle and was taken suddenly and tragically early. She will be terribly missed.

The positive we can take from this is a resolve amongst Fi and Jon's friends to help others affected by CUP. Whilst she was undergoing treatment friends and colleagues alike rallied around and committed to do something to raise money. We hoped to do this event and share a glass of champagne with Fi at the end. Sadly we won't get that chance but we even more resolved to complete the race, raise the money, toast her memory and support the CUP Cancer research project being supported by "Friends of Fi".

The Team:

- Marcus "R2di2" Williamson: Not content with a power/weight ratio of a giant ant, Marcus has decided to further increase his advantage by acquiring a new piece of kit, seemingly by sorting all components in ascending order of price, and then selecting the last option in every case. You can imagine the "it's for charity dear" conversation with Mrs W.

- Dianacarolina "Princess Limpet" Jaime: nicknamed the yo-yo for her novel approach to pacing a long ride, Diana is the least experienced rider in the group, yet also the most competitive. Her 5am Strava segment attempts are becoming the stuff of legend. From Princess to Queen of the Mountain in Italy perhaps?

- Jon "Obi Jon Kenobi" Lacey: Jon has used the "recently "bereaved excuse to the max in recent months, with electronic gears, top-of-the range technical clothing and a period of compassionate leave in the Majorcan mountains. His Garmin computer still thinks he is stationary when climbing hills, but at least he has a smile on his face.

CUP Cancer:

CUP has been a neglected cancer, despite killing as many people as Breast Cancer in any given year. So with Cancer Research UK, we have set up Friends of Fi to raise money which will fund research into the best treatments for Fi's type of cancer. We need your support to help raise awareness of this awful disease, giving its sufferers a much needed voice & greater chance for survival.