Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is rare, serious and misunderstood. It has a huge impact on people’s lives, and my wife Carole and I know all too well what the consequences of PH are.  The initial prognosis for her was 6 weeks to live, then 3 years, and now nearly 13 years later she is classed as a long-term survivor.

We do not pretend the journey has been easy but, with support from the PHA UK and of course her amazing team of specialists in Sheffield, my wife has been able to witness the birth of a granddaughter and see her first steps, her first lost tooth and her first day at school.  In January last year she was able to attend her daughter’s wedding, making us all laugh with a great speech about the joys of raising a family.  We never thought she would see or do any of these things. 

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA UK) is the only charity dedicated to supporting people with this condition in the UK. They raise awareness and fund research to provide better treatments, with the hope of one day finding a cure for this devastating disease. Their conferences over the years have been an amazing source of information for Carole and I.

The PHA UK receives no government funding.  So, after everything they have done for us, I decided, (along with a little help from our daughter) that it would be a good idea to give a something back.

I have been cycling for the last 30 years, more so now that the old knees don't take too kindly to my other passion of mountain walking.  I also enjoy the challenge of longer rides, having completed the Coast to Coast, Way of the Roses, and last summer I spent a week touring the West Coast of Scotland.

So, what better challenge for a long-distance ride than Lands’ End to John o’Groats? (Also known as "LEJOG", or the End to End).

My chosen route is 1118 miles long (if I don't get lost) and I hope to complete the ride in 20 days - which equates to around 56 miles per day.  The bike I am riding has a small battery, which helps takes the sting out some of the big hills, but I still have to pedal for every mile I ride - and this will certainly be a significant physical challenge one month after my 74th birthday.

Throughout the challenge, I am hoping to add a daily link on Facebook which will show that day’s route. 

If you feel you can support the PHA UK by sponsoring me for this ride, it will be very much appreciated by myself and Carole, our family, and of course the charity too. Thank you.