On 25 June, I will set off from Seascale in Cumbria with 1500 other riders for a serious day in the saddle.  Ahead will be the hills of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorks Moors with final destination Whitby.  The trip will be 150 miles long, with 15,000ft of ascent (and descent!) thrown in to keep things interesting. 

One week later I will line up with 9000 cyclists for the famous Maratona  - only 85 miles but another 15,000ft of relentless climbing. Over the 2 days I will haul man and bike up the height of Everest.  Those of you who know me know I am not built for climbing - so this is a big personal challenge.  

I am doing this to raise money for BTRS (Brain Tumour Research & Support) - a charity which provides patient support to those diagnosed with the condition, and which funds research into Brain Tumours at the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine.  

I am hoping to raise this money in memory of Tony Marsh, who worked with me at Morrisons HQ, and who lost his 3yr battle against a brain tumour in 2014.  

So, if you knew Tony, if you want to help BTRS fund further research into Brain Tumour, or if you just like the idea of me flogging my over-stuffed Lycra up hill and down dale, PLEASE DIG DEEP.

Many many thanks for your generosity.