In April, our plans to go and see my sister's family in France were scuppered by the lockdown. It had been quite some time since we'd visited, so naturally we were gutted, an emotion that prompted Rebecca and I to rashly set ourselves a fitness goal during isolation - we would row there instead - or at least cover the 1,440km between Cranleigh and Valbonne on a rowing machine. We began our challenge on 10th May. 

We set a clear target, to get there by 31st December, which would require us to collectively row 6km each day. Over the past three weeks, everyone has chipped in (Patrick rowed 4.25km in one stint!) and today we made it to Folkestone, 138km along our journey, ready to leave these shores. 

Yet despite having this important milestone in my sights, it was a real struggle to get on the rower this evening, causing me to reflect on how resolute my motivation will remain over the coming weeks and months. Not least because I've been left to row our daily target by myself for the last two days, and my 42-year-old-body is feeling it. Lots. 

Which is the main reason for setting up this fundraising page now. It also seems appropriate to be doing so in honour of my lovely Mum, who took up rowing less than a year ago, and not the sort you can do from the comfort of your own home, like us Surrey-slickers, but the serious kind that involves boat preparation, travel, organising a team and then braving the  weather conditions to take on Norfolk's finest waters - the Broads and the North Sea (although she plays this down and calls it 'coastal' rowing...it's the NORTH Sea)! I should add that she first gave her new found hobby a try in mid-Winter! Nails. 

She also, about a month ago, was diagnosed with breast cancer, so it seemed a natural choice to be raising money for Macmillan. I haven't set a target, because I genuinely think that any money raised will help motivate me, appreciating now what a comfort it is to know we could call on the charity for help, if Mum and Dad need it. 

And who knows, once the chemo is all done, the lump has been jettisoned and she's got the all-clear, she can get back in a boat and help me row those last few kilometres to see my sis in time for Christmas! 

At the very least, I know it will do her the world of good to see messages of support, so feel free to leave those in lieu of donations. They'll mean just as much in helping her recover. 

Macmillan Cancer Support is here to help everyone with cancer live life as fully as they can, providing physical, financial and emotional support. So whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them 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.