In 2009, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  I wasn’t particularly overweight, but always had a very sweet tooth  – until then.  Both my parents were diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in later life and – in my mother’s case – the condition seriously damaged her organs and led to an early death at the age of just 72.  This year I am riding in memory of my mum, Adrianne, who died in 2005.

Every summer, I take up a cycling challenge in order to raise money for good causes.  Last year I cycled across the Pennines from Walney to Whitby for UNICEF, but this year I decided to take the ‘easy’ option and let someone else do the organising, which is why I’m joining the Prudential Ride London event on 4th August, doing just 46 miles.  It’s not as challenging, perhaps, as previous years, but it will not be that easy either.  At least the roads will be closed and traffic free – apart from the thousands of cyclists, of course!

I hope you are able to support me again this year to raise money for a charity I have supported before and one which does invaluable work in raising awareness and doing research into this rapidly growing condition which can destroy lives.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.