On Saturday 11th June 2016, I will be one of 12 riders taking part in the biggest charity race day in the world - The Best Western Hotels & Macmillan Ride of their Lives on the Knavesmire in York in front of a crowd of 28,000 people.

I was a professional jockey until I retired 30 years ago in 1986 but since then I've only ridden a handful of times so its going to be quite a challenge to get myself fit enough for the race! I have ridden at York a few times when I was an apprentice but I've never had a winner there so I'm hoping this will be my chance...I'll be approaching 62 by the time of the race in June so its now or never and I met the competition last week who are already getting stuck into their training - I'd better saddle up quick!

I was inspired to take part in this unique event after being diagnosed with a tumour between my bladder and my kidney in 2011 that resulted in me having my kidney removed. I consider mine a fairly minor brush with cancer but it was a huge shock non the less. Macmillan are a fantasic charity delivering all manner of services including Macmillan nurses to ensure that no-one has to face cancer alone.

I want to raise as much money as possible to help people affected by cancer and their families. afterall, one in three of us will recieve a cancer diagnosis in our lifetimes and we all know someone who has been affected.

Please support me by sponsoring the ride of my life in June!

Thank you in advance,

Steve