In 2008 I cycled to Paris. Just to see if I could. People asked if I was raising money for charity but I didn't feel I could. I had never cycled 2 days back to back, or more than 50 miles. I took Jane Tomlinson's book "You Can't Take it With You" to read on the way, and whenever I struggled up a hill, or got back into the saddle feeling sore I thought about what Jane must have felt and what she achieved in spite of that. Needless to say it kept me going and has done on so many occassions since. 

Jane was an amazing woman who undertook incredible challenges despite being terminally ill with cancer, to raise funds for a variety of charities, for cancer and children (including the Bluebell Wood Hospice). I was never privileged enough to meet Jane but she has inspired me more than anyone I have.

In the last 12 months 2 of my family members have been diagosed with breast cancer, and a dear friend with a brain tumour. Knowing what they have been through and still are, made me realise again how incredible Jane Tomlinson's achivements were.

In November 2004 Jane became the first cancer patient to complete an Ironman. Reading her account was the first time I had come across the event and I remember thinking that it was a pretty crazy thing to want to do. 

90% of people I know it still think it is (5% get it, 5% have already done it) but if I'm going to do it, the least I can do it help raise money for a good cause, so please spare a pound or two if you can and help the Jane Tomlinson Appeal keep up their amazing work.